Taliban Cancel Inauguration Ceremony Of New Interim Afghan Govt On 9/11 Anniversary: Report

New Delhi: The Taliban have reportedly cancelled the inauguration ceremony of their newly formed interim government in Afghanistan.

Earlier, it was speculated that the inauguration ceremony is going to be held on September 11, the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks.

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Russia’s TASS news agency reported on Friday cited a comment by Inamullah Samangani, a member of the Taliban’s cultural commission, and reported that the Taliban have cancelled the inauguration ceremony of their newly formed interim government in Afghanistan.

“The inauguration ceremony of the new Afghan government was cancelled a few days ago. In order not to confuse people further, the leadership of the Islamic Emirate announced the part of the Cabinet, and it has already started to work,” Inamullah Samangani, a member of the Afghan government’s cultural commission, wrote on Twitter, Russia’s news agency reported on Friday.

He further dismissed the earlier reports of the inauguration ceremony taking place on the 9/11 anniversary as rumours, TASS informed. 

According to media reports cited by the agency, the Taliban had invited Russia, Iran, China, Qatar and Pakistan to the inaugural ceremony planned to be held on the 9/11 anniversary. 

However, the move was not likely to garner any support from the international community considering the timing. It could further affect the Taliban’s attempts at presenting a more moderate image for global recognition, something that is already under serious doubts considering reports of violence against protestors and journalists.

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Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Friday informed that Moscow would not participate in the inauguration ceremony in any capacity, TASS reported.

On September 7, the Taliban announced the cabinet of its interim government in Afghanistan, appointing Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund as prime minister. Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid made the announcement in this regard. Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar was appointed deputy prime minister.

Apart from this, Sirajuddin Haqqani was made the Home Minister, Mulla Amir Khan Muttaqi was chosen as Foreign Minister, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai as Deputy Foreign Minister, Mullah Yaqoob as Defense Minister,  Mullah Hidayatullah Badri as Finance Minister and Qari Fasihuddin Badakhshani as Army chief.