Taliban-Resistance Front talks hailed as fruitful

KABUL (Pajhwok): A member of the Resistance Front, led by Ahmad Massoud, on Thursday hailed talks with the Taliban as fruitful.

The morale of negotiators from both sides was high and conducive to a peaceful settlement, claimed Mohammad Alam Izdyar.

Following the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul on Aug, 15, the Resistance Front, led by Ahmad Massoud, son of Ahmand, Shah Massoud, was formed in Panjsher.

Based on credible reports, then VP Amrullah Saleh and former government officials have reached the strategic northern province.

Massoud warned the Resistance Front would rise against the Taliban if they did not form a broad-based and inclusive government in the country.

In addition to sending hundreds of fighters to the province, the Taliban have also dispatched a seven-member delegation to negotiate with the Resistance Front.

The delegation, headed by Amir Khan Mutaqi, has arrived in Charikar, capital of central Parwan province

On Wednesday, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said he hoped the Panjsher problem would be resolved through dialogue.

Mujahid believed there was an 80 percent chance of the issue being resolved without fighting.

Alam Izdyar, a member of the Resistance Front negotiating team, wrote on his Facebook page: “The delegation held talks with the Taliban in Charikar on Wednesday evening.”

He added the delegation of the Resistance Front included 12 people from different provinces and ethnic groups and was headed by Haji Almas Zahid.

Izdyar wrote after three hours of discussions, it was decided that the delegations would share details with their leaders.

The spirit on both sides was conducive to a peaceful solution and the fundamental problems of the country, he said¸ hoping necessary decisions would be taken in light of past experiences.

sa/mud