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KABUL (SW) – A number of political figures gathered here on Thursday to discuss the prospects of peace process in the country.
Mohammad Umar Daudzay, member of the Alliance for Peace and Salvation, told the moot there seems to be headway in the peace process. He said there are some changes in the Taliban’s Qatar Office signifying this progress.
Daudzay expressed support for the efforts by Zalmay Khalilzad, Special US Representative for Afghanistan Peace Process, in this regard. He added the Afghan government should not be sidelined in this process, and the government should consult with the nation over the matter.
He claimed peace is not far away, and the Afghan government and the Taliban are likely to ink a ‘Charter for Peace’ soon. Daudzai acknowledged the legitimacy of the government, but stressed the government does not have the mandate to ink such a deal.
Another participant of the moot, Rangin Dadfar Spanta, former National Security Adviser, said all Afghans are united in their call for peace, but what sort of peace and at what cost? He said there are some differences on the nature and form of the peace process.
He said some elements are trying to defeat the Taliban with force, but the government is seeking peace as well as fighting the rebels while the Taliban are labelling the government as a subordinate to the US. Spanta said there is a need for a national strategy in this regard.
He added the Taliban are a gruella group also backed by Pakistan. Spanta said the Taliban and the US have had talks, and the Afghan government should also be informed about these talks. He said the Taliban and the US have turned into partners, and those who sacrificed during the past 40 years should also be present in such meetings.
This comes as a High Peace Council delegation has left for Moscow to attend a peace conference hosted by Russia.
ENDS
