Fighting intensifies with start of Doha talks: MPs

KABUL wanted to capture some provinces to get maximum advantage on the talks.

An inaugural ceremony of the start of intra-Afghan talks was held in Doha on September 12.

Hameedullah Hanif, a lawmaker from Herat province, said: “Talks are underway in Qatar while violence is surging in some provinces. Both the negotiating parties should understand that the responsibility of the ongoing bloodshed is on their shoulders.”

Abdul Raouf Shpon, a lawmaker from Nangarhar province, said: “The Taliban and the government should declare bilateral ceasefire as soon as possible and once ceasefire is declared, it doesn’t matter how long the talks last.” He lamented that fighting was underway in 18 provinces despite the ongoing talks in Doha.

Lawmaker Kamal NasirUsoli asked the Taliban to free themselves from influence of foreign intelligence agencies and refrain from enforcing their agenda.

“The Taliban should take an independent stance in talks and should prove themselves as pure Afghans the way they often claim.”

Usoli stressed the government should understand the situation as diplomacy and fighting went together.

Speaker Mir Rahman Rahmani said clashes intensified with the start of intra-Afghan talks, with people and security personnel paying the price.

He said people were tired of war and that violence should be reduced and a nation-wide peace should be implemented.

nh/ma

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