Taliban's large gathering ends with calls for international recognition

A Talibanrun gathering of thousands of male religious and ethnic leaders ended on Saturday by asking foreign governments to formally recognise their

A Taliban-run gathering of thousands of male religious and ethnic leaders ended on Saturday by asking foreign governments to formally recognise their administration, but made no signals of changes on international demands such as the opening of girls' high schools.

The Afghan economy has plunged into crisis as Westerngovernments have withdrawn funding and strictly enforcedsanctions, saying the Taliban government needs to changecourse on human rights, especially those of women.

"We ask regional and international countries, especially Islamic countries … to recognise the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan ... release all sanctions, unfreeze (central bank) funds and support in development of Afghanistan," the gathering's participants said in a statement, using the group's name for their government, which has not been formally recognised by any country.

The group's reclusive leader joined the three-day gathering of more than 4,000 men on Friday, and delivered a speech in which he congratulated the participants on the Taliban's victory and underlined the country's independence.