DUSHANBE. Nov 23 (Interfax-AVN) - Russia's military-technical assistance to Afghanistan will depend on developments in its military and political situation, Russian Ambassador to Tajikistan Maxim Peshkov told Interfax on Friday.
In the wake of the Northern Alliance's victories, "the Taliban have abandoned the political arena." This fact "gives rise to optimism with regard to the implementation of plans for a peaceful settlement in Afghanistan" proposed by Russia, Tajikistan, the United States and other countries, Peshkov noted.
"Clashes are not ruled out as the Taliban continues to exist as a military force," he said. Some Taliban fighters fled to Pakistan, others dispersed in Afghanistan and considerable forces remain in the besieged Konduz, he pointed out.
An objective of the Afghan government and the international anti-terrorist coalition is to prevent the Taliban's possible resurrection, he said.
The Russian servicemen deployed in Tajikistan "have not participated" in fighting in Afghanistan and "won't do so." Russia's contingent includes the 201st Motor-Rifle Division and a unit of the Federal Border Guard Service. Russian defense forces are following the situation carefully in Afghanistan and ensuring security on the CIS southern frontiers, he said.
Asked about options for a political settlement in Afghanistan, Peshkov replied that some of the strategies for Tajikistan's national resurrection after the 1992 war could be implemented in Afghanistan. He mentioned the "prevalence of common sense" that would pave the way for compromises among all parties in Afghanistan, acknowledgement of the authority of the United Nations and all countries interested in the restoration of peace, notably Russia, the United States, Pakistan and other neighboring countries.
"Afghanistan's current government proportionately comprises all nationalities of this country in keeping with the number of the peoples. An agreement is yet to be reached with the southern [peoples] who must not be associated with the Taliban," he added.
The nationality aspect is "often exaggerated" in the formation of the government and a difference must be made between the Taliban and Pushtuns, he said.