Taliban interested in peace process: Musazai

KABUL leaders were interested in the political process of peace negotiations with the government.

Key Taliban leaders based in Pakistan wanted the political process to continue, a foreign ministry spokesman said, acknowledging Islamabad’s crucial role in the talks.

Janan Musazai told a press conference in Kabul they hoped Pakistan would convince the Taliban into entering face-to-face negotiations with the Afghan government.

With the release of the Afghan Taliban prisoners, Pakistan had started taking practical steps to facilitate direct reconciliation talks, he said.

Pakistan should also send a loud and clear message to the Taliban that holding talks with the government in Kabul was in the interest of all parties. He urged safe passage for the Taliban leaders who desired parleys in a third country.

Musazai assured the Taliban leaders interested in direct meetings of security. He asked Pakistan to free prisoners in coordination with Afghanistan to ascertain their whereabouts and how they supported the peace process.

Regarding the opening of the Taliban’s office in Doha, he said there was a need for understanding between Afghan and Qatari governments. The bureau would be opened when the Taliban announced their willingness for talks, he concluded.

myn/mud

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