Karzai seeks greater SCO support for Afghan peace efforts

KABUL’s efforts for peace and national reconciliation.

Peace in Afghanistan would have a significant impact on regional security and economic development, he told a virtual International Inter-Party Forum of SCO+

“We hope SCO will take a more active approach in this engagement with Afghanistan to ensure the peace process comes to fruition at the earliest,” the former president remarked.

He urged regional powers and the international community to cooperate with his country in its pursuit of peace and stability.

As a major stakeholder in regional peace and an ally of Afghanistan, Russia should play a proactive part in our effort for peace in Afghanistan, he suggested.

He said: “We are looking to major powers in our neighborhood -- China, Russia and India, which have deep interest in security and prosperity of the region -- to exert their influence in shaping Afghanistan’s future.”

The role of Afghanistan’s neighbors including Iran and Pakistan was central to peace and reconciliation, the erstwhile president acknowledged.

A positive outcome of the peace process would lead to a civilised relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan, he hoped. It would also rid the region of violence and extremism, he added.

Karzai called upon the United States and Afghanistan’s western allies to engage with major powers in the region on creating a platform to ensure stability in his country.

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