MOSCOW, 30 October 2021, (TON): No one is in a hurry to recognise the Taliban as Afghanistan's government, Russian UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said on Friday, signalling that Moscow is not ready to allow the Islamists to represent Afghanistan at the United Nations.

He also said “UN and unilateral sanctions on Taliban leaders would have to be addressed but perhaps not right away."

Nebenzia told reporters "the question of recognition will arise when the international community makes sure that the promises and commitments that the authorities announced will be delivered.”

He was referring to Taliban pledges - made since group ousted the Western-backed government in mid-August - that included upholding human rights, particularly those of women and girls, and combating terrorism and drugs.

The United Nations is considering rival claims on who should represent Afghanistan. The Taliban nominated their Doha-based spokesman Suhail Shaheen as UN ambassador, while Ghulam Isaczai - the UN envoy representing the government ousted by the Taliban - is seeking to remain in the country's seat.

Nebenzia said "when credentials are presented, they are presented on behalf of the head of a state.”

 "If it's presented on behalf of a (head of) state which nobody recognises then make your conclusions yourself."