KABUL (SW) – Differences between the Taliban and the Afghan government over the official peace delegates led to cancellation of peace conference in Qatar.
President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani’s office said in a statement late on Thursday the Qatari government has failed to meet the legitimate demands of the Afghan people by not accepting an inclusive delegation of some 250 men and women, and instead imposing a list of its own. “After preparations were finalized for the delegation’s trip [to Doha], surprisingly a list came from Qatar last night which lacked proper public representation and was insult to national spirit and decision of the people of Afghanistan, and is not acceptable to the Afghans”, the presidency said.
The U.S. on Friday expressed disappointment over postponement of the proposed landmark peace conference among between the Taliban and an Afghan peace delegation from Kabul.
Zalmay Khalilzad, U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, said in a series of tweets that Washington is in touch with all parties, and encourage all to remain committed to dialogue to end the raging conflict in the war-ravaged country. “Dialogue is and always will be key to a political roadmap and lasting peace. There is no alternative. I urge all sides to seize the moment and put things back on track by agreeing to a participant list that speaks for all Afghans. I stand ready to help if our help is needed”.
ENDS
