Kabul to host consultative ‘Jirga’ for peace

Kabul to host consultative ‘Jirga’ for peace

KABUL (SW) – President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani on Monday announced Kabul would hold a major consultative “Jirga” for peace in six weeks’ time.

Addressing a large gathering at the Arg (presidential palace), Ghani directed Mohammad Umer Daudzai, secretary of the High Peace Council, to initiate preparations for this conference.

Ghani also underlined the need for an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process while blaming the neighbors for seeking their own gains in this process. He added the U.S. had no desire for peace talks, but the Kabul government convinced Washington to proceed with the peace process.

The President said the security forces reserve the right to retaliate in case of attacks otherwise efforts for peace would be advanced and environment for ceasefire would be created. He said the government wants to ink a peace deal in Mecca but ‘some people want to have this agreement in Moscow’.

He said prisoners held without due and proper legal process would be freed. Ghani also announced changes in the leadership of the electoral commissions, and referring those involved in rigging to the legal institutions for accountability.

A day earlier, Ghani promised to provide safety and offices to the Taliban in Afghanistan.

ENDS