Intra-Afghan dialogue begins in Doha today

KABUL are set to begin in Doha today (Saturday).

Led by former spymaster Masoom Stanikzai, a 21-member team of the government has arrived in Doha for direct talks with representatives of the militant movement.

On behalf of Kabul, Supreme Council for National Reconciliation Dr, Abdullah, Foreign Minister Hanif Atmar, Minister of State for Peace Affairs Syed Sadat Mansoor Naderi and presidential representative Abdul-Salam Rahimi may attend the launching ceremony.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo would also participate in the negotiations, with the Taliban ready for taking part in the long-awaited talks.

US special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation has welcomed announcements by Doha, Kabul and the Taliban to launch the peace negotiations. “This is a historic opportunity to end a 40-year war that has no military solution.”

He tweeted on Friday:  “The road to get here has been long and will remain difficult. No important achievement is ever easy. It is now the responsibility of Afghan leaders to capitalise on this moment and end this brutal war.”

Due to strong opposition to the release of the last six Taliban prisoners, an arrangement has been worked out to keep them under house arrest in Doha.

Senior officials from Pakistan, which helped brokered the Feb. 39 US-Taliban peace pact, are also expected to participate in the inaugural ceremony for the intra-Afghan dialogue.

The Taliban’s 21-member team is spearheaded by the group’s chief justice Abdul Hakim and includes 13 members of their leadership council.

PAN Monitor/mud

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