Talks should continue despite surge in violence: Rahmani

KABUL (Pajhwok): Some Wolesi Jirga members on Monday announced their support for the incumbent government and stressed on a negotiated settlement to the conflict.

Speaker Mir RahmanRahmani said the Taliban had no future plan for the development of Afghanistan and said: “The fall of districts is something imminent after the withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan, but this change will not necessarily pose threat to the system and national integrity .’

In the past two months, over 150 districts have fallen into the hands of Taliban militants.

Without going into details, Rahmani said the Taliban damaged some infrastructure, public property and military equipment and this showed the Taliban had no agenda but destruction.

The Taliban rejected such remarks.

“I call on all security forces and local uprising groups not to hesitate from foiling conspiracies. Lawmakers should directly or indirectly get local support for security forces,” he added.

Rahmani, however, said the surge in violence should not harm peace talks and instead efforts should be made to accelerate the process.

ZiauddinAkazai, a lawmaker from Badghis province, told the Taliban: “Now the foreigners are out of Afghanistan there is no reason to continue fighting and destroy national infrastructure.”

ShapourHassanzoy, a lawmaker from Logar province, while referring to the fall of some districts, addressed the president: “If you have signed a deal, then don’t murder the soldiers of this soil, reconcile with the Taliban and whatever they demand give them but stop destruction and eradication of the past 20 years of achievements.”

Nh/ma