Karzai wants peace process to continue

KABUL‘s mechanism.

Karzai discussed with High Peace Council members recommendations and proposals outlined by participants of last month’s Loya Jirga, a statement issued from the Presidential Palace said.

Issues concerning effectiveness of the peace effort, changes in the council’s composition, expanding the role of provincial chapters and the need for sincere cooperation from Pakistan figured at the meeting.

The role of regional countries and the international community, acquiring addresses of rebels and enhancing participation of tribal elders and religious scholars in peace parleys with the insurgents were also discussed.

High Peace Council members expressed their views on how to strengthen the effort in light of the jirga recommendations. They believed although the assassination of the council chief, Burhanuddin Rabbani, had affected the process, Afghans wanted to live in peace.

In order to intensify the reconciliation drive, addresses of rebels should be ascertained, they said, insisting the process should be Afghan-led, with foreigners playing a supportive role.

Karzai praised the council for winning confidence at home and abroad in its efforts to bring stability to the country. The participants agreed to meet again after next week’s second Bonn conference to take decisions on the new council chief and others important matters.

Rabbani was killed in a suicide attack by an insurgent posing as a peace emissary in Kabul on September 20.  Afghan officials blame the Pakistan-based Haqqani network for the attack.

ma/mud

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