KANDAHAR (SW): Gen. John Nicholsan, top NATO commander in Afghanistan, said on Monday the Taliban are inclined towards peace talks, but they would be kept under pressure to make it certain.
He joined chief of the National Directorate of Security, Mohammad Masome Stanikzai, Minister of Interior, Wais Ahmad Barmak, and other top officials and foreign diplomats to visit Kandahar province. He said the government’s offer to the Taliban for peace is an opportunity for the armed rebels to utilize. He said the purpose of added diplomatic pressures on Pakistan is to force it to bring the Taliban to the negotiation table.
He acknowledged the demand of locals to initiate peace process in Kandahar which is home to a number of top Taliban leaders.
On his term, Wais Ahmad Barmak highlighted the importance of the peace process. He added MoI is fully prepared to ensure peace and security for the forthcoming elections. Mohammad Masome Stanikzai said on the occasion enemies of Afghanistan have evil plans for the country. He stressed countrymen should take active part in elections.
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