MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The escalation of the Afghan conflict could be inevitable due to the Taliban's refusal to resume peace talks with the government, the head of the Russian Foreign Ministry's department responsible for Afghanistan told RIA Novosti on Wednesday.
"Yes, it is inevitable," Zamir Kabulov said in response to a question on the possible escalation of the conflict connected with the Taliban's refusal to resume talks with the Afghan government.
According to the diplomat, the decision of the Taliban Islamic movement was expected as they demand the withdrawal of all foreign troops from Afghanistan, the lifting of sanctions and the release of all Taliban members from prisons.
Pakistan hosted the first round of direct talks last summer, suspended after the 2013 death of Taliban leader Mullah Omar.
In January, Afghanistan, Pakistan, China and the United States met in Kabul to discuss reopening the peace talks.
Preliminary agreements had the next round in Islamabad in mid-March, but Taliban said on March 5 it would not take part in negotiations until foreign soldiers left the country and its fighters were released.
