Upbeat about peace, Atmar joins Moscow talks

KABUL representatives in Moscow, Russia, his election office in Kabul said, calling the first day talks as ‘hope-giving.’

The conference that kicked off a day earlier in Moscow and resumed on Wednesday is aimed at discussing peace and reconciliation in the war-torn country.

A joint delegation of representatives of political parties led by ex-president Hamid Karzai is attending the talks in the Russian capital.

On Tuesday, Taliban chief peace negotiator Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai said the current Afghanistan’s constitution was not ‘valid’ and they wanted an Islamic constitution and ‘an inclusive Islamic government system.’

Speaking at a gathering with senior Afghan politicians, the Taliban representative stressed the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan.

Stanikzai said the insurgents did not want a "monopoly of power" but "an inclusive Islamic system”. He said a formal Taliban office in Afghanistan and a credible guarantee for peace was vital.

About the women, work, security, health and having a good life.

Mohammad Younis Qanoni, who is contesting the July presidential election as first vice-presidential candidate of Atmar, hoped the meeting would yield a positive outcome.

He supported reforms in Afghanistan’s judicial and justice organs but said having an Islamic republic was the Afghan nation’s demand, which should be supported.

Mohammad Waizi, Hanif Atmar electoral office spokesman, told Pajhwok Afghan News that the former national security advisor could not attend the first day talks due to some important engagement but joined the conference on the day two Wednesday.

According to him, political differences were discussed on the second day of talks Wednesday, terming the first day’s discussions as constructive and hoped the meeting would yield a positive outcome.

“Hopefully the conference will facilitate an Intra-Afghan dialogue so Afghanistan could achieve a lasting-peace through it,” he said, hoping direct talks between the Afghan government and Taliban militants would take place soon.

Participants of the Moscow conference on Afghanistan peace on the day two Wednesday called the event as ‘constructive’ and expressed hope for a fruitful outcome.

pk/ma