Russia is prepared to cooperate with the UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime) in the wake of Afghanistan’s current situation, Mikhail Ulyanov, Russian Permanent Representative to the international organizations stated on Friday, TASS informed.
Ulyanov took to Twitter to say that the newly arisen situation in Afghanistan needs to be prioritized by the UNODC’s and that Russia is prepared to take part in these efforts and work closely with the UN on aspects that are relevant for the region.
The spokesman of the Taliban forces, Zabihullah Mujahid, on August 17 revealed that their movement promises to work towards making Afghanistan a drug-free state.
Afghanistan’s drug production has been increasing since the 1980s, and the UN Security Council adopted a resolution in 1999 for pointing out the excessive production on territories that are controlled by the Taliban forces. According to data published by the UN, about 3,600 tonnes of opium, which stands from 85% of the global output, was coming from this South Asian country in 2020. Other experts claim that 80% of the income of the Taliban forces comes from drug trades.
The Taliban forces launched an offensive against Afghanistan’s government forces, right after the Biden administration revealed that they will end the US military operations and withdraw the troops from the country.
Taliban fighters entered the capital city of Afghanistan, Kabu on August 15 and did not encounter any resistance, gaining full control over the city in a matter of hours.
Ashraf Ghani, the president of Afghanistan had fled the country saying that he did not want any bloodshed.
Amrullah Saleh, the Vice President assumed the position as president after Ghani fled the country and called for the government armed forces to resist the Taliban.
