Moscow (Russia), Apr 17 (LaPresse/AP) – The Russian Supreme Court has lifted a ban on the Afghan Taliban, designated as a terrorist group more than two decades ago. The move represents a diplomatic victory for the Taliban, which was placed on Russia's list of terrorist organisations in 2003, making any contact with them punishable under Russian law. The court's ruling, issued at the request of the Prosecutor General's Office, follows the adoption last year of a law allowing a court to suspend the official designation as a terrorist organisation. Russian officials have recently stressed the need for dialogue with the Taliban to help stabilise Afghanistan.