HCNR meeting a positive step forward: US

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Trump administration hailed the first-ever meeting of Afghanistan’s High Council for National Reconciliation.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Saturday called HCNR an inclusive and authoritative body on peace efforts. “This is another positive step forward.”

In a statement from the State Department, Pompeo said: “This inclusive body is chaired by Dr. Abdullah Abdullah.

“Afghan leaders across the political spectrum have unified to make decisions and mobilise support for a just and lasting peace. All sides of the conflict should come together and chart a path to peace.”

The council and its Leadership Committee would provide guidance to the government’s negotiating team with the Taliban on the terms of an agreement on a political roadmap, power-sharing and a permanent ceasefire, the statement added.

Meanwhile, US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad tweeted: “This committee will be an authoritative body…as it negotiates the terms of a peace agreement, power-sharing and a comprehensive ceasefire with the Taliban.”

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