Violence reduction a must, says Abdullah

KABUL (Pajhwok): The High Council for National Reconciliation (HCNR) head on Thursday underlined the need for reduction in violence

Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, addressing a gathering of women here, called the government’s peace negotiating team a united front.

The reduction of violence has been a longstanding demand of the masses, according to the reconciliation chief, who regretted the public aspiration was yet to be realised.

The peace process had reached an important stage, Abdullah remarked, saying a start to negotiations was important to the government and people.

The reduction in violence topped the agenda proposed by Kabul’s negotiating, he said, stressing: “Both sides must enter discussion on the issue.”

“With the release of Taliban prisoners, we should have had a ceasefire or a significant reduction in violence,” Abdullah said.

The HCNR chairman regretted that despite the launch of the dialogue, violence levels remained high across the country.

The second round of the intra-Afghan dialogue would begin Jan. 5, Abdullah hoped. The negotiations would yield positive results, Abdullah concluded.

mud

Visits: 3