KABUL (SW) – Zalmay Khalilzad, the U.S. special representative for Afghanistan reconciliation, has demanded swift measures for the proposed prison swap in line with the peace deal.
He said this in a series of tweets after reaching Kabul on Wednesday.
“No prisoners have been released to date despite the commitment to do so expressed by both sides,” Khalilzad said.
"Technical teams from both sides can work together and focus on technical steps to begin prisoner releases as soon as possible. I will participate in the initial meetings … the Taliban commit that released prisoners will abide by the commitments made in the peace agreement and not return to the battlefield. A violation will undermine the peace process", he warned.
This comes as president Ashraf Ghani linked release of detainees conditional to significant reduction in violence and pledges from the Taliban not to resume militancy after getting free.
Spokesman for the National Security Council, Javed Faisal has said the levels of violence needs to go down. 'Our position on the release of prisoners remains unchanged. The Taliban will have to stop killing Afghans and provide guarantees that those getting released shall not be returning to war. Time for them to end violence and commit to a dignified peace'.
The U.S. envoy also stressed it is time for Afghans to compromise and put their differences aside to resolve the political crisis resulting from elections and dual inaugurations. "This crisis undermines security. Coronavirus poses a mortal threat and requires Afghans to put their country, and its people, first. It is a matter of life and death".
ENDS
