No progress yet in Doha peace talks: Sediqi

KABUL (Pajhwok): Presidential Spokesperson SediqSediqi said on Wednesday that there has been no breakthrough in Doha talks because the Taliban insist on issues which are against the interest of Afghans and out of the government’s authority.

This comes following recent reports in the media that claimed progress in the Doha talks between the Taliban and government negotiating teams after months of debate and discussions.

Peace negotiators, however, have not yet spoken about the progress in peace talks.

Talking to reporters, Sediqi said President Ashraf Ghani did not show opposition to progress in peace talks and said the Afghan government supported peace in the country.

He said in the recent Geneva Conference, the international community condemned increase in violence by the Taliban and stressed an end to the conflict in the country.

Referring to reduction in violencem Sediqi said: “We released 5,000 Taliban prisoners with the hope that violence would be decreased and there will be progress in peace talks.”

He hoped the Taliban would get maximum advantage of the ongoing opportunity available in the form of peace talks in Doha.

Without going into details, Sediqi said there was no progress in peace talks and the reason was the Taliban’s willingness.

Foreign Minister HanifAtmar said if the Taliban maintained commitment and spirit like the Afghan government for the talks, there would be progress in peace talks in coming weeks.

He said the Afghan government was strongly committed to progress and hoped the Taliban would be able to show flexibility.

nh/ma