In a stark contrast to the government policy regarding peace with Taliban, Chief Executive Officer of the National Unity Government (NUG), Abdullah Abdullah, says setting precondition for entering into talks with the Taliban could showcase procrastination or lack of commitment to peace.
Chairing the regular ministerial council meeting, Abdullah said that reducing violence before intra-Afghan talks would be a positive step.
“We don’t have any precondition for launching negotiations, but our representative and all-inclusive team would have its conditions and demands during the talks,” Abdullah said.
“Setting preconditions for talks could showcase procrastination or lack of commitment to fulfilling Afghans’ desire,” Abdullah said.
This comes as President Ashraf Ghani has repeatedly demanded ceasefire before intra-Afghan peace negotiations.
US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad recently visited Kabul and met with government leaders to discuss recent efforts by US to negotiate a reduction in violence with the Taliban to pave the way for a US-Taliban agreement, intra-Afghan negotiations, and a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire in support of a sustainable peace, according to a statement from US Embassy in Kabul.
Khalilzad also emphasized Afghans should continue to focus on bringing together an inclusive Islamic Republic negotiating team and preparing for Intra-Afghan negotiations.
