KABUL (SW): The Hezb-e-Islami finally entered the landmark peace deal with the High Peace Council (HPC) here on Thursday.
Mohammad Hanif Atmar, the National Security Advisor said on the occasion that the government would play its part in asking the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to lift sanctions imposed on the Hezb-i-Islami, and in return the HI would shun violence and acknowledge the Constitution. He added that the HI has paid sacrifices to reach the peace deal.
Atmar added that door for talks are also open for other rebel groups, and if they agree to shun violence, they would be awarded with the privileges offered to the HI. He added that the permanent members of the UNSC has promised the Kabul government that they would review the sanctions imposed on the HI.
Syed Ahmad Gillani, the HPC chief pronounced the peace deal as a fresh start for peace in the country. He urged upon the rebel groups to consider the HI as an example and follow its footsteps to join the peace process.
In the meantime, Mohammad Amin, the chief negotiator for HI said that this peace deal is not just a simple agreement between his party and the Afghan government but a beacon of peace for the whole country. He however, stressed that they would strive for the exit of foreign forces.
The peace deal consists of 25 articles, and has been concluded after months of efforts. Soon, it would be officially endorsed by the President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani and the HI leader Gulbudin Hekmatyar. The deal has been welcomed by the EU, the US and the UN.
ENDS