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US proposes Bonn-like conference on Afghanistan

US proposes Bonn-like conference on Afghanistan

author avatar
7 Mar 2021 - 12:45
US proposes Bonn-like conference on Afghanistan
author avatar
7 Mar 2021 - 12:45

KABUL (Pajhwok): As peace negotiations in Doha continue to be snail-paced, the US has proposed an international meeting on stabilising Afghanistan like the Bonn conference.

After the ouster of the Taliban regime, anti-Taliban leaders met in Bonn in 2001 and agreed on the creation of a provisional administration and drafting a new constitution for the war-torn country.

Reuters reported the proposed event, which the US special envoy Afghanistan reconciliation discussed with the warring sides, would involve representatives from many Afghan parties.

A day earlier, a State Department spokesperson said: “The United States is not making any formal proposals and is continuing to review all relevant options for future force posture.

“Ambassador Khalilzad has discussed a range of ways to move the diplomacy forward, nothing more,” the spokesperson said, without going into details.

But two unnamed international sources told Reuters that Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad was urging the United Nations to play a lead role in organising the conference on fixing Afghanistan.

The news outlet indicated the conference could be held in Turkey — a venue that could be opposed by Western capitals. Other countries, including Germany and Uzbekistan are also being considered.

A Qatar-based Taliban leader confirmed the US envoy discussed the possibility of a conference with the movement’s negotiating team. Khalilzad also called for a ceasefire or reduction in violence by 60-70 percent, he said.

The insurgent leader, however, mad clear the Taliban would not become part of an interim government, but were not averse to such set-up being formed.

He said the insurgents might consider reduction in violence, but not a ceasefire. He asked the US diplomat to pressure the government in Kabul to free 7,000 more Taliban prisoners.

About the Bonn-like meeting, the Taliban source said: “We don’t believe any other conference in any country would help resolve the Afghan conflict.”

As part of his latest swing through the region, the veteran US diplomat is seeking to build consensus around alternative options with all Afghan sides and key regional players.

PAN Monitor/mud

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