.JPG)
GARDEZ (SW) – Hundreds of elders from the greater Paktia region gathered in Gardez on Monday to call for direct talks between the Taliban and the government for peace.
The gathering called by the Greater Paktia Impartial Council from Paktika, Paktia, Logar and Khost provicnes also called for comprehensive ceasefire in the country. The participants also urged the foreign troops to chalk out a clear exit strategy.
Haji Khawani Jahani, an elder at the gathering, said on the occasion the civilians are boring the brunt of the raging conflict, and peace provides multiple opportunities for welfare and development for the people.
These elders vowed to continue with their calls for peace until the warring sides agree for truce.
A deceleration issued after the moot called for direct talks between the Taliban and the government, comprehensive ceasefire, and an end to night raids and timetable for the exit of foreign troops form the country.
This comes after a marathon fifth round of talks between the Taliban and the U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad, in the Qatari capital, Doha earlier this month with both sides claiming progress has been made.
ENDS
