KABUL (SW): An unofficial face to face discussion between the representatives of the Taliban and Afghan was scheduled to take place in Qatar on Sunday that has been described by both sides as “not the resumption of peace process”.
The consultative meeting is part of an initiative launched by Novel Peace Prize winner Pugwash Council, a global organisation that promotes dialogue to resolve conflicts. Representatives of the former Prime Minister Gulbuddin Hekmatyar-leader of Hezb-i-Islami Afghanista-that too has been fighting against Kabul government in its own capacity are participating.
Under the arrangements, member of the Afghanistan’s High Peace Council would meet Taliban representatives in the presence of some observers. The AHPC however, has made it clear that their men are participating in this discussion in personal category hence it does not meant the official start of the peace talks.
Muhammad Ismael Qasimyar, member of the AHPC said. that two members of the council Maulvi Attaullah Lodin and Shahzada Shahid would participate in the discussions.
On their part, the Taliban too has made it clear that this round of talks were just for consultation purposes initiated by Pugwash.
Zabihullah Mujahid, Taliban spokesman, has issued a list of eight representatives that would participate in the discussions. Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, the former Taliban health minister was named as the head of delegation.
In eyes of Waheed Muzda, a Taliban expert, this consultative meeting alone would not leave lasting impacts on the situation on ground. Muzda argued much depended on the Kabul government and its policies towards peace.
He said the leaders of the National Government of Unity i.e. President Muhammad Ashraf Ghania and his Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah must get over their difference over petty issues and come to a conclusion over the core issue of peace dialogue with the Taliban.
This is the third time that the Taliban will be attending a conference along with the representatives of the Kabul government. The Taliban political council’s members had earlier attended similar meetings in France and Japan but they did not hold direct talks with the Afghan government.
ENDS
