KABUL (SW) – Russia is set to hold a meeting between the Taliban representatives and a number of Afghan politicians and former officials in Moscow later next week.
This meeting has been dubbed as ‘Intra-Afghan Dialogue’ following the six-day talks between the U.S and the Taliban in Qatar last month.
Based on the reports, former president Hamid Karzai, deputy to the CEO, Mohammad Mohaqiq, former Mujahedeen leader Ismail Khan, and chief executive of the Jamiat-e-Islami party, Atta Mohammad Noor are likely to meet the Taliban representatives led by Abbas Stanikzai.
A number of political analysts are of the view Moscow wants to promote its own agenda through such meetings.
Syed Akbar Agha, a former Taliban-era official, told Salam Watandar the news about proposed withdrawal of the US troops from Afghansitan has created environment for foreign meddling in Afghanistan. He said regional countries are eager to interfere in such matters. He said the Moscow meeting would not play key role in bringing peace.
Agha said the participants of this meeting are likely to discuss prospects for an interim government as well as posts for these political figures.
Ishaq Atmar, an analyst on political affairs, said if the Russians adopt an opposite posture to the US in Afghanistan, fresh rivalry would be sparked in Afghanistan and the region.
However, the Russian Embassy in Kabul told Salam Watandar via a statement, the meeting in Moscow has been organized by the Afghans, and Russia is only serving as a host.
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