BERLIN, Germany: Annalena Baerbock, Germany's foreign minister, said Germany will not recognize the Taliban government in Afghanistan as long as "dire" conditions continue for those Afghans living under the Islamist regime.
Since the Taliban took over Afghanistan in August following the withdrawal of US-backed foreign forces after two decades of war, no foreign government has recognized the Taliban.
In a news conference held in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, Baerbock said, "When we look across the border the situation is dire," warning of a looming humanitarian and economic crisis in a country where girls were deprived of education, women were excluded from public life, and dissenting voices were suppressed.
"As long as they go down this path, there is no room for normalization and even less for recognition of the Taliban as the legitimate rulers of the country. At the same time, we will not abandon the people of Afghanistan," she added, stressing that Germany would send humanitarian aid.
Taliban officials say they are creating the conditions to reopen high schools for girls, and deny accusations of rights abuses.
Pakistan has called for engagement with the Taliban, stressing that the world cannot afford a humanitarian crisis in the region.
But Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Pakistani's new foreign minister, said the Taliban should listen to the international community's concerns about rights and security.
"It is our hope that Afghan authorities would be responsive to the international community's expectations regarding inclusive respect for the human rights of all Afghans, including women, and effective actions against terrorism," he said.
Baerbock called for unity to pressure the Taliban, stating, "The international community must stand united, and together tell the Taliban loud and clear, you are heading in the wrong direction."
