Jirga panels poised to answer key questions about peace

KABUL will are set to answer four basic questions regarding peace in the war-devastated country on Thursday (today).

On Wednesday, the 50 panels worked on the questions pertaining to convincing the Taliban into peace, preserving past achievements, composition of the government’s negotiating team and policy towards neighbours.

Eng. Kamal Safi, spokesman for the Loya Jirga, told Pajhwok Afghan News the committees had deliberated on the questions and were working to summarise the views.

He said each committee would separately submit its answers today at a general session of the jirga, which kicked off on Monday in Kabul.

More than 3,000 participants and 300 guests, including foreign envoys, government ministers and other high-ranking officials, are taking part in the mammoth gathering.

The ongoing assembly was originally scheduled to conclude on Thursday but it was extended until Friday (May 3) due to delays on day one.

On the 2^nd day of the gathering, members of the jirga constituted 51 working committees and appointed their heads and secretaries.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Abdullah, former president Hamid Karzai, High Peace Council (HPC) Chairman Mohammad Karim Khalili and 12 presidential candidates have boycotted the Loya Jirga.

However, Jirga Commission chief Omar Daudzai on Wednesday said efforts were underway to convince ex-president Hamid Karzai and CEO Dr. Abdullah to attend closing ceremony of the massive tribal council.

He indicated Dr. Abdullah might attend the closing ceremony and suggestions of jirga percipients would be presented to all including the boycotting leaders.

pk/mud