German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has condemned the Taliban’s rule in Afghanistan, calling it “illegitimate” and describing the situation in the country as “unbearable.”
Speaking at a summit in Astana on Tuesday, Scholz expressed deep concern over the developments in Afghanistan, particularly criticizing the widespread restrictions imposed on women’s rights by the Taliban.
“What is happening there is intolerable,” said Scholz. “It is very clear to us that this government has come to power illegitimately and many developments are currently taking place in the country that are very depressing.”
The comments came during a meeting hosted by Kazakhstan, where several Central Asian leaders reportedly urged Scholz to normalize relations with the Taliban.
The summit, held at the Palace of Independence in Astana, was attended by Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedow, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, and Chancellor Scholz. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, in his opening remarks, highlighted the key topics of the summit, including trade, investment, energy, environmental issues, transportation, and education.
The meeting concluded with the signing of a “Joint Declaration” by the Central Asian leaders and Chancellor Scholz, outlining areas for further cooperation.
