KABUL (SW) – The High Peace Council announced here on Wednesday efforts are underway to consolidate the strategy for truce, and it would soon yield results.
Mohammad Umer Daudzai, HPC secretary and advisor to the president, told a moot in this connection that this body would not be confined to symbolic advisory role, and the government delegation for peace talks would be answerable to this body.
Daudzai hailed the efforts of the Special U.S. Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad, and asserted the Afghan government would soon get onboard the peace process. He hinted soon an HPC delegation would visit Pakistan, and then other countries.
In the meantime, the Wolesi Jirga (lower house) issued a statement in regard to the peace process here on Wednesday. The statement noted the peace process should be an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led process. It urged the Taliban to enter direct talks with the government.
It also urged the U.S to ensure the Kabul government representatives are onboard the process for peace. Amiryar Khan, deputy speaker, urged the international community to respect the stance of the WJ on this matter.
Separately, representatives of the civil society organizations also underlined the importance of the ownership of the peace process. The CSOs also demanded safeguarding the gains of the past many years.
This comes amid renewed push for peace talks in Afghanistan with representatives of the U.S, Pakistan, the UAE and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia meeting the Taliban representatives in Jeddah later this month.
ENDS
