KABUL (SW): The Wolesi Jirga (lower house) on Monday made it clear that any peace talks for Afghanistan that has no representation from the Kabul government would be seen as interference in the country’s internal matters.
Abdul Rauf Ibrahimi, speaker of the house, expressed concerns over the trilateral talks on Afghanistan among Russia, China and Pakistan. Moscow is hosting these trilateral talks on 27 December, 2016. “The government should seek clarification from Russia in this regard”, stressed Ibrahimi.
Shekib Mostaghni, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), told Salam Watandar Afghanistan was not invited to Moscow for these talks, and the MoFA has demanded clarification from Russia in this regard. “Absence of Afghanistan in these talks raises many questions.” added Mostaghni.
Ismail Qasimyar, advisor for the High Peace Council (HPC) on international affairs, told Salam Watandar no representative from this body has been invited for talks in Moscow either. Qasimyar, however, called such peace talks useful.
Ferdaws Kawish, an analyst on political affairs, noted that such talks can do very little for peace in Afghanistan. “These trilateral talks are actually part of the ongoing rift between Washington and Moscow, which is not in favor of Afghanistan.” added Kawish.
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