Germany Rejects Taliban's Appointee as Charge d'Affaires at Afghan Embassy in Berlin
Germany has refused to recognize Nibras al-Haq Aziz, appointed by the Taliban as charge d'affaires at Afghanistan's embassy in Berlin, stating that none of the required recognition steps have been completed.
A spokesperson for the German Foreign Ministry said the diplomat from the pre-2021 Afghan government, Abdul Baqi Popal, should continue managing the embassy. The spokesperson emphasized that Germany must agree to any recognition of an ambassador or charge d'affaires from Afghanistan, but no such steps have been taken in this case.
The Taliban dismissed Popal in a letter from its Foreign Ministry and instructed him to hand over duties to Aziz before the official end of his mission. Diplomatic sources indicated that the German Foreign Ministry has not been officially informed of the appointment. The Taliban reportedly uses Popal in official matters with Germany but considers him a local employee internally.
The German Foreign Ministry stressed the importance of continuing consular services at Afghan representations, including visa and passport issuance, with documents accepted by the Taliban administration. In practice, an individual introduced by the Taliban manages the embassy, though Germany officially recognizes a pre-2021 charge d'affaires as the point of contact.
Popal, from Panjwayi's district in Kandahar province, was appointed charge d'affaires several months ago, replacing Yuma Yari. He previously served as deputy for local organs in the former Afghan government. Germany does not recognize the Taliban administration as Afghanistan's official government.
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Where reports agree
- Taliban issued a letter dismissing Popal and appointing Aziz
- German FM insists on recognizing pre-Taliban diplomat and requires agreement for new appointments
- Germany prioritizes ongoing consular services
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