Some HIA prisoners to be freed in 2 weeks

KABUL (HIA) will be freed next week.

Shah Hussain Murtazavi, deputy presidential spokesman, told reporters here that Khpalwak had been made HPC secretary. However, he will continue holding his position as Ashraf Ghani’s special advisor on political affairs.

The HPC secretary looks after financial and technical affairs of the peace body, enforcement of the peace agreement with HIA, coordination of peace efforts, financial support for the process and monitoring reconciliation.

Murtazavi hoped with the appointment of Khpalwak, HPC would discharge its duties more effectively. “Financial resources og the council will increase and with the appointment of the secretary, its activities would be accelerated.”

Ghani’s deputy spokesman also spoke about a new peace strategy, saying with its implementation the reconciliation process would become more effective. He rejected reports about the disintegration of HPC, listing peace and stability as a top priority that could be achieved by the council.

Murtazavi claimed the HPC had delivered, calling the peace deal with the Gulbadin-Hekmatyar led party an achievement of the council. Some HIA prisoners would be freed in the next two weeks he promised.

Regarding Hekmatyar’s return, he said: “We are waiting for the announcement regarding this. The government remains eager to implement the agreement with HIA in letter and spirit.”

Murtazavi hinted at Afghanistan’s participation in the upcoming Moscow meeting. He said a high-ranking official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) would take part in the consultations on Afghanistan’s future.

The US has already opted out of the April 14 meeting in Moscow. Twelve nations have been invited to the meeting which will focus on Afghanistan’s security and peace process.

nh/mud