Afghan parties pledge to continue negotiations to reach a settlement

Doha: The Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Abdullah Abdullah, has called on both sides involved in the ongoing Afghan peace negotiations in Doha to show flexibility. Abdullah added: “It is time for the two sides of the negotiations to talk about the real and important issues that lead to a political settlement.”

After two days of talks in Doha, a joint statement said that the two sides stressed the importance of reaching a settlement that meets the interests of the Afghans in accordance with Islamic principles.  The two sides also expressed their commitment to continue negotiations at a high level until the settlement is completed and will work to provide humanitarian assistance throughout Afghanistan. They also thanked the State of Qatar for its efforts to reach lasting peace in Afghanistan.

Speaking to the Al Jazeera channel, Abdullah indicated that the two sides (the Taliban and the Afghanistan government) have not yet agreed on a specific road map to stop the fighting,  expressing his hope that as long as negotiations continue between them, an amicable settlement would be achieved.

“Washington supports the Afghan negotiations in Doha, as well as the countries of the region,” Abdullah added. Regarding the military escalation, Abdullah said: “The military escalation and the high death toll are pushing the two sides to speed up negotiations. This escalation cannot resolve the situation in Afghanistan. No one party can impose itself on an entire nation through military progress.”

He emphasised that the Doha negotiations have led to a clarification of views among the Afghan leaders, as they agreed to speed up the negotiation process. But the people were expecting more than that.  “The pace of progress is slow, and unfortunately, this is the case,” Abdullah said.

Abdullah Abdullah revealed a serious commitment that there will be future rounds, and “this in itself is a positive thing.”

“The negotiating teams are continuing their work in Doha. The senior leaders of the two sides will meet on a date to be determined later,” he said.

Abdullah stressed that negotiation is the only solution to the Afghan crisis. He also welcomed the statement of the diplomatic missions and NATO urging the Taliban to stop their attacks in Afghanistan. 

Muhammad Naeem, spokesman for the Taliban’s political office and a member of its delegation to the Doha negotiations, said that the talks were a good opportunity to bring the views of Afghan parties closer. Naeem added that the meetings of the Taliban’s delegation with the government delegation would continue. In light of the military progress achieved by the Taliban movement, 15 diplomatic missions in Kabul issued yesterday a joint statement urging the Taliban movement to stop military attacks across the country.