West, Abdullah talk national dialogue in Afghanistan

KABUL (Pajhwok): US special representative for Afghanistan Thomas West and former chief of the High Council for National Reconciliation Abdullah Abdullah have discussed the need for national dialogue to bring peace to the war-torn country.

In a tweet, West said it was a positive sign that Abdullah was able to travel to spend time with family over holidays.

He said they discussed the need for national political dialogue and exchanged views on international engagement to support Afghanistan. “Value his advice as always.”

West also discussed with Shaharzad Akbar, former Chairperson for Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission what he called the tragic and systematic targeting of Hazara community by terrorists in recent weeks and measures to empower the community.

He said they agreed on the need for a robust national dialogue on humanitarian abuses and monitoring.

They welcomed calls from religious and tribal leaders across the country for the return of girls to school at all levels.

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