KABUL (SW): The Hizb-e-Islami Party has expressed optimism about the outcome of peace talks with the Afghan government.
Qutbudin Helal, a senior member of the party told journalist in Kabul on Thursday that they are engaged in the process with the High Council of Peace (HCP). “The Hizb-e-Islami Party is fully committed to the talks and would participate in the process whole heartedly”, he said.
In regard to joining the government, Helal said confidence building measures are needed to be put in place and a national debate on a matter of issues is needed before that.
Mawlawi Attaur Rehaman Saleem, deputy head of the HCP, said on the occasion that two sessions of talks have been held with the HIP so far. He added that a third session is due next week. “We will talk in details over the matters highlighted in the previous sessions”, he noted.
The two spoke to journalists on the sidelines of an event organized by the Embassy of Pakistan in Kabul to celebrate its National Day.
Salahuddin Rabbani, Minister for Foreign Affairs, while addressing the gathering said that Afghanistan and Pakistan need to jointly tackle the menace of terrorism. He stressed upon the need of confidence building measures and people to people contacts.
Syed Abrar Hussain, Ambassador of Pakistan, said on the occasion that his country remains committed for a peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan.
ENDS
