KABUL (SW) – The Afghan government’s negotiating team departed for Doha on Tuesday to start the second round of peace talks with the Taliban.
Abdullah Abdullah, Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation, has said the negotiating team enjoyed the full support of the republic, and has the mandate to discuss the peace agenda.
“I thank the international community for its continued support for the peace process, & the State of Qatar for hosting the second round of the peace talks. We are committed to achieving a lasting peace, & ask the Taliban to do so. We are looking for a successful second round”, he said in a series of tweets.
The U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation has stressed both sides must demonstrate they are acting in the best interest of the Afghan people by making real compromises and negotiating an agreement on a political settlement as soon as possible and an immediate significant reduction in violence/ceasefire.
“The current levels of violence, including targeted killings, is unacceptable. Those perpetuating the violence seek to undermine the peace process and the country’s future. They do not reflect the will of the Afghan people, who yearn for peace”, tweeted Khalilzad.
Meanwhile, Nader Nadery, a member of the negating team, has stated that peace negotiators led extensive consultations in Kabul and provinces during 3 weeks of recess of talks. “Lasting peace must be just, inclusive & must be built on views of all Afghans. It is clear that ceasefire is the absolute priority of our people & it must be the priority for negotiations. To start the 2nd round of talks, the negation team of IRoA departed to Doha today”, Nadery tweeted.
ENDS
