UNITED NATIONS (AP) — It’s almost certain that Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers won’t get to speak at this year’s U.N. General Assembly meeting of world leaders.
The Taliban challenged the credentials of the ambassador from Afghanistan’s ousted government and asked to represent the country at the meeting, which ends Monday.
Afghanistan is scheduled to give the final speech of the assembly.
U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said as of Friday, Afghanistan’s currently recognized U.N. ambassador, Ghulam Isaczai, who represents the former government, is listed to speak.
The key reason is that the General Assembly committee which decides on credentials challenges has not met, and is highly unlikely to meet over the weekend.
The Taliban says Isaczai was relieved of his duties after it took control of the country as the U.S. wrapped up its 20-year war.
The Taliban claims it nominated a new U.N. envoy, according to Reuters.