KABUL (SW) – Zalmay Khalilzad, U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, has reached Kabul as part of his efforts to facilitate dialogue and negotiations for peace in Afghanistan.
On Monday morning, he held a meeting with Salam Rahimi, President’s Chief of Staff, Mohammad Umer Daudzai, Chairman High Peace Council, and other officials. “Glad to be back in #Kabul. I started my morning by meeting with #Afghan government representatives with responsibility for the #AfghanPeaceProcess, including the President’s Chief of Staff Rahimi & SE Daudzai. We discussed the urgency of making progress on intra-Afghan dialogue”, Khalilzad tweeted.
The U.S. Department of State announced earlier this year Zalmay Khalilzad will lead an interagency delegation to Belgium, Germany, Turkey, Qatar, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. it added this trip is part of an overall effort to facilitate a peace process that protects U.S. national security interests and brings all Afghan parties together in an intra-Afghan dialogue through which they can determine a path for their country’s future.
Also on Monday, CEO Abdullah Abdullah told the cabinet meeting that discussions about the peace process would be held with Khalilzad during this trip to explore ways and means for the Afghan government to extend cooperation for this process.
This comes as the government is busy in consultation aimed at forming a delegation for the peace talks.
Shah Hussain Murtazawi, spokesman for the President, told Salam Watandar soon the final list of the official delegation would be announced in this connection. He stressed this delegation would be inclusive.
Omaid Maisam, spokesman for the CEO, told SW the delegation would be formed keeping in mind the requirements and conditions. He added the time and destination for these talks have not been finalized, however, the Taliban have shown no flexibility towards these talks.
Meanwhile, Assadullah Zairi, spokesman for the HPC, has said there are some signs of willingness from the Taliban to join intra-Afghan talks for peace.
This comes as sources told SW that CEO Abdullah Abdullah is likely to attend the next round of talks between the Taliban and the U.S. in Qatar.
ENDS
