KABUL (SW) – Analysts believe Russia is seeking to solidify its clout in the region with a proposed peace conference on Afghanistan in the capital Moscow later this week.
The Russian capital would see on March 18 a gathering of Afghan government representatives, politicians, the Taliban representatives as well as representatives of a number of other countries. Analysts believe that Russia’s decision to host the conference on Afghanistan is aimed at maintaining its influence in the region and its involvement in Afghanistan.
Mohibullah Sharif, an international affairs analyst, said Russia does not want to be left out of efforts to pursue peace or other changes in Afghanistan. According to him, Russia is trying to protect its interests in the Afghan peace process and seeks to prevent development that are in conflict with Russia’s interests in the region.
Fazal Rehman Orya, another political analyst, said the Moscow meeting was important for peace. According to him, the meeting will discuss the future political map of Afghanistan and a draft will be prepared for the next meeting in Istanbul.
The Afghan government has announced its participation in peace talks in Moscow and Istanbul, but has not shared the list of participants with the media. On the other hand, the Taliban announced a high-level delegation of ten members led by Mullah Baradar Akhund, deputy chief of the political affairs and head of the political office will attend the meeting in Moscow.
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