DOHA (SW) – Abdullah Abdullah, chairman of the High Council of National Reconciliation, has urged the Taliban to demonstrate inclination towards reduction in violence.
He told a news conference in the Qatari capital Doha that the meeting of the peace negotiating team continued on Sunday.
Abdullah called the start of direct talks between government representatives and the Taliban an important step towards peace and said people expected the talks to lead to reduce violence. He added the message from the Afghan government and the international community has been clearly in support of the peace process and for the reduction of violence.
Meanwhile, Sayed Akbar Agha, a figure close to the Taliban, said in an interview with Salam Watandar that the negotiating parties are now set to discuss priorities and important issues. According to him, the spirit of both sides illustrated that in the first round of talks, a ceasefire may indeed be reached.
Parallel to these talks, the Ministry of Defense said on Sunday the Taliban staged attacks in 19 provinces overnight killing at least 20 security personnel and injuring 20 others.
Salahuddin Qarizadah, a university professor, said while commenting on the state of affairs that the ceasefire is one of the basic demands of the people, and the Taliban must pay attention to it.
Detailed talks between the Afghan government representatives and Taliban are scheduled to continue on Monday.
ENDS
