NSC: Releasing Taliban inmates won’t help peace bid

KABUL (Pajhwok): The National Security Council (NSC) said on Tuesday the release of 7,000 more Taliban prisoners would not help the peace process.

The remarks from MaulaviRahmatullahAndar, a spokesman for the National Security Council, in a video message comes two days after US Ambassador to Kabul Ross Wilson told a news conference that the Taliban looked forward to the release of more than 7,000 prisoners until mid-December.

But MaulaviAndar said the Afghan government released 5500 Taliban prisoners hoping violence would be reduced, but those released returned to the battlefield.

A day earlier, presidential spokesman SediqSediqqi also told a news conference that the release of 7,000 more Taliban prisoners was premature.

He added the release of more Taliban inmates depended on progress in the peace process while agenda and other issues were currently being discussed in Qatar.

The parliament has also expressed concern over the possible release of more Taliban prisoners.

bk/ma