By Michelle Nichols

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – No representative from Afghanistan will address the annual high-level U.N. General Assembly in New York after the ambassador for the government ousted by the Taliban – who was due to speak on Monday – withdrew his name.

This is amid rival claims to Afghanistan’s U.N. chair in New York.

Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban’s foreign minister, requested to speak at the United Nations gathering. He also nominated Suhail Shaheen (a Doha-based spokesperson) as Afghanistan’s U.N. Ambassador.

GhulamIsaczai, the U.N. Ambassador, represents Afghanistan’s government that was overthrown by the Taliban and has asked for his accreditation to be renewed. Diplomats say he missed his opportunity to address the U.N. high-level gathering’s final day on Monday.

Isaczai has not yet responded to our request for comment.

After a February military coup that overthrew the elected government, rival claims were made to Myanmar’s U.N. chair. A high-ranking General Assembly meeting is expected to be attended by no Myanmar representative.

A nine-member committee that includes representatives from the United States of China, Russia, and China, deals with U.N. accreditation questions. This committee usually meets in October and November.

The General Assembly rules state that Isaczai (the U.N. representative of the ousted government), and Kyaw Moe Tun, Myanmar’s U.N. Envoy, will not be allowed to sit until the Credentials Committee on Afghanistan and Myanmar make a decision.