Taliban in control of 39 embassies globally

KABUL:

The Taliban administration is in control of 39 Afghan embassies and consulates globally three years after they took over Afghanistan and the previous Western-backed government collapsed, the acting foreign ministry said on Thursday.

No international government has formally recognised the Taliban administration, though China and the United Arab Emirates have officially accepted its ambassadors in their capitals.

Many governments, especially Western nations including the United States, have said the path to any formal recognition of the Taliban will be stuck until they change course on women's rights and re-open high schools and universities to girls and women and allow their full freedom of movement.

The Taliban say they respect rights in accordance with their interpretation of Islamic law and that restrictions on its banking sector and a lack of recognition are hindering its economy.