MPs worried about possible release of Anas Haqqani

KABUL.

Kevin King, a 60-year-old American, and Timothy John Weeks, a 48-year-old Australian, professors of the American University of Afghanistan (AUAF), were kidnapped from Kabul by Taliban in August 2016.

Two well-known people who are close to the Taliban in Kabul say the insurgent group has demanded release of Anas Haqqani and Rashid Omari, two key members of the insurgency and a number of commanders and governors totaling 80 prisoners in exchange for the two professors.

Lawmakers today talked about the possible prisoner exchange.

Ali Akbar Jamshidi, a lawmaker from central Daikundi province, demanded clarification regarding the issue and said making such a deal amid ongoing conflict was risky for national interests.

He said the US should consider Afghanistan’s interests while exchanging prisoners with the Taliban.

“Based on the security agreement the US has signed with Afghanistan, America cannot carry out an action that risks our national interests,” he said.

Gul Ahmad Noorzad, a lawmaker from Nimroz province, said the government should provide explanation about the possible prisoner exchange with the Taliban.

“Prisoners had been exchanged in the past too, but they did not stop war or ensure ceasefire and even increased violence in the country, if we make another deal of prisoners exchange with two US professors, we should be careful this time,” he said.

A number of other lawmakers held similar views.

Wolesi Jirga speaker Mir Rahman Rahmani said, “If the release of Taliban prisoners is for ceasefire and peace, then we welcome it, but if it is only for the release of two US professors, then it is a matter of concern.”

He said government leaders should provide explanation about the prisoners exchange.

Last Tuesday, National Security Advisor Hamdullah Mohib in a press conference said that Zalmai Khalilzad’s trip to Kabul was not about peace, but about the release of two US professors from Taliban’s captivity.

“These professors have right towards us because they have taught our youths, we are ready for help in this regard, they should be released and efforts are on the regard,” he had said.

In response to a question, Mohib had said that no discussion was made regarding exchange of Anas Haqqani.

Mds/ma