KABUL (SW) – Analysts believe the Taliban insurgents have declined Chinese call for ceasefire in Afghanistan.
Based on media reports, Mulla Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Taliban’s deputy chief and head of their office in Qatar, recently held a meeting with a Chinese delegation in China.
Faiz Mohammad Zaland, an analyst on political affairs, said besides discussing other matters, the Chinese urged the Taliban to announce a ceasefire in Afghanistan, but the insurgents turned down the request. Waheed Mujda, a former Taliban-era official, confirmed that the Chinese officials indeed urged the Taliban to ceasefire. He added the Taliban said they cannot ceasefire as long as foreign troops are stationed in Afghanistan.
In views of political commentators, the wayward attitude and irregular meetings by the Taliban have further complicated the fragile peace process.
Shah Baaz, professor at the Kabul University, said all regional and international efforts for peace in Afghanistan should be well-organized and properly synchronized. He said polarization of the process would only agrevate the situation.
This comes as the top U.S. peace negotiator, Zalmay Khalilzad, Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, has embarked on a trip to a number of capitals in connection the peace talks. Khalilzad also held meetings with President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani and other officials in Kabul.
ENDS
