KABUL (SW) : President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani said while inaugurating Loya Jirga here on Friday that the Taliban have pledged to start intra-Afghan talks within the next three days if their prisoners are released.
Ghani added that the Taliban had also threatened to escalate the violence if the prisoners were not released.
President Ghani said 4,600 Taliban prisoners have been released from prisons under the Doha Peace Accords, but he was not constitutionally authorized to release the group's remaining 400 prisoners.
The president emphasized that representatives of the people have gathered to strengthen the foundations of the system.
In a part of his speech, the praised US efforts to restore peace and strive for a political solution in the country, and said he respected any US decision regarding the possible withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan.
Abdullah Abdullah, chairman of the Supreme National Reconciliation Council and chairman of the Loya Jirga, said members of the Loya Jirga will decide on two options: continuing the war or establishing peace and stability.
He emphasized that those who think of winning by continuing with the war are wrong.
Abdullah added that after the decision of this Loya Jirga, the work of the Supreme National Reconciliation Council will begin.
The Loya Jirga was attended by 3,200 people, including 720 women from 34 provinces. This jirga will continue on Saturday.
ENDS
