RIYADH - Saudi Arabia yesterday became the second country after Pakistan to recognise the Taliban Islamic movement's government in Afghanistan, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said.
The decision was made "following the latest developments in Afghanistan", an official statement said, referring to weekend military gains by Taliban's Islamic militia which tightened its grip on northern Afghanistan as the routed opposition warlord, Gen Abdul Rashid Dostum, fled to Turkey. The movement captured the capital, Kabul, last September.
Pakistan gave the Taliban vital support on Sunday by recognising the movement's government.
