Taliban cannot impose demands through violence: Omar

KABUL could not impose their demands on the Afghan government during intra-Afghan talks by increasing violence, an official said on Thursday.

Waheed Omar, President Ashraf Ghani’s advisor on public and strategic affairs, remarked this during a gathering to mark International Youth Day in Kabul.

He said the Taliban could not force the government to accept their demands on government during intra-Afghan talks by taking advantage of violence.

He informed the government would suggest ceasefire and its mechanism in first round of intra-Afghan talks.

“It is unacceptable to us to negotiate peace and at the same time carry out attacks in the country,” he added.

One of the hurdles to intra-Afghan talks was violence from Taliban because they had no political, cultural and economic asset, he said, calling on the rebels to start intra-Afghan talks at the earliest possible.

Addressing the youth, Omar said the Taliban used violence, hideouts and financial resources through drugs to maintain their movement.

According to Omar, the Taliban’s important officials could not discuss academic issues with the Afghan negotiating team so they turn to violence.

As part of the Feb. 29 peace agreement between the United States and the Taliban, Kabul freed 5,000 Taliban inmates and, in return, the militant movement released 1,000 government soldiers.

The Loya Jirga commenced on Friday and issued a resolution on Sunday, approving the release of the 400 Taliban prisoners who, the government says, are involved in high-profile attacks.

Sa/ma