Japan to fund peace process in Badghis

QALA-I-NAW (PAN): Japan will provide $5 million (228.4 million afghanis) in donation for the Afghan government-initiated peace process in northwestern Badghis province, a Japanese diplomat has said.

Seiji Okada, Japan’s deputy ambassador to Afghanistan, made the pledge during a visit to the province on Saturday.

“The aim of my visit is to see insurgents groups who have recently joined the peace process,” the envoy said, adding Japan had been financially supporting Afghanistan since last several years.

“We will spend $5 million over next five years to support the peace programme,” he added.

Since last one year, 22 insurgents groups, comprising 403 militants, had joined the peace process in Badghis, provincial intelligence chief, Gen. Qayum, told Pajhwok Afghan News. Militants joining the peace process were keeping security for their areas, he said.

A surrendering militant, Naeem, said they were faced with security problems and unemployment after joining the peace process.

am/ma