KABUL (SW) – President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani said on Sunday there is no commitment by the government to release 5,000 Taliban prisoners.
The US-Taliban peace accord says 5,000 Taliban prisoners must be released before the intra-Afghan talks begin.
Addressing a press conference, President Ghani reiterated that the U.S. has no executive authority to release the Taliban prisoners, and only the Afghan government can decide on it. He added that the U.S. will play a facilitating role in this process.
President Ghani emphasized that the release of prisoners could be included to the agenda for intra-Afghan talks, but it would not be a prerequisite for such talks. Ghani also said the Taliban's position would be determined after the talks and the Taliban should become a political entity. Within ten days after the peace deal is signed, the talks will begin, Ghani said.
He said the committee for talks with the Taliban would negotiate with the Taliban representing the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the Constitution while its authorities would be determined by the government.
The President added reduction in violence would continue and might well evolve into ceasefire.
ENDS
