KABUL Abdul Ghani Baradar’s presence in the fifth round of talks with the US in Qatar would positively impact the parlays.
Baradar traveled to Doha from Pakistan on Sunday night on a special plane just ahead of the fifth round of talks between the Taliban and the US, which kicked off on Tuesday.
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai would lead the talks and necessary input would be taken from Baradar if necessary.
Political affairs expert Mohammad Hassan Haqyar said the presence of Baradar, a key Taliban leader, could have positive impact the fifth round of talks.
“Everyone is optimistic after the presence of Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, I am also optimistic about more agreement and understanding on peace and reconciliation.”
He said comparing with the previous talks, this time there were more hopes because technical teams would be working on the pullout of foreign forces, release of Taliban prisoners and other items.
Noor Shah Noorani, a political expert and member of the Khost Provincial Council, said Baradar enjoyed special influence in Taliban ranks and his presence at this critical time was giving birth to more hopes and expectations regarding peace.
He said as both the sides had worked out technical issues so there was more hope for a positive outcome.
He said the Taliban had earlier said that until the pullout of foreign forces was not agreed upon, other issues could not be brought under discussion.
The Taliban spokesman had said the main agenda of the meeting would be the pullout of foreign forces from Afghanistan and no use of Afghan soil against other countries.
nh/ma
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