Rahmani asks world to help Afghans achieve peace

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Wolesi Jirga on Monday expressed concern over what lawmakers called ‘unreasonable’ stances on peace talks and lack of political consensus on the process, asking the international community to help the Afghans make peace negotiations a success.

Since the start of the second round of intra-Afghan talks in Doha on Jan. 5, contact groups of the two sides have met four times. However, they have been unable to make progress on firming up the agenda for formal negotiations.

Erfanullah Erfan, a lawmaker from Kabul, told today’s session of the lower house that, “The peace process and the killing of Afghans are going together, the peace process should not be treated as a project, each member of the negotiating team takes $4,000 to 10,000 in salary and they should work more for peace.”

Allah Gul Mujahid, another lawmaker from Kabul, also expressed his concern over the deteriorated security in Kabul and said, “Kabul police are corrupt, they should be sent to Helmand, Kunduz and other unstable provinces.”

About a bomb blast that targeted Kabul deputy police chief, he said, “When the deputy police chief cannot ensure his own security, people should not have expectations from police.”

Belqis Roshan, a lawmaker from Farah province, said, “Unfortunately Kabul people start day with explosions.”

She demanded ceasefire and said the continued violence and bloodshed in the country was worrisome and it should be stopped immediately.

A number of other lawmakers held similar views.

Mir Rahman Rahmani, Wolesi Jirga speaker, said, “Complexity in talks, delayed agenda for negotiations, low interest of the Taliban’s team, unreasonable stances, preparations of the two sides for destructive wars, lack of internal political consensus for peace and disperse activities of High Council for Reconciliation Council have made it hard to achieve peace.”

He criticized the slow paced peace process and said the Afghan people looked to the negotiations with worries and fears.

Rahmani asked the international community to cooperate with Afghanistan in the achievement of peace.

Considering high level of violence, the Taliban’s concept of war has not changed, he said. He asked the Taliban to agree on a ceasefire and stop killing innocent people.

mds/ma

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