China on Monday said it believed the Consultaive Loya Jirga’s decision on the release of the 400 Taliban prisoners would pave ground for intra-Afghan talks.
Zhao Lijian, spokesman for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told a press conference in Beijing that the government of China welcomed the people of Afghanistan’s decision via its traditional council.
He said, “The release of prisoners was agreed on at the consultative Loya Jirga in accordance with their rules of procedure. This important decision is an important step for the Afghan government and the Afghan Taliban to establish mutual trust and initiate intra-Afghan talks.”
He further added that the release of Taliban prisoners could create trust between the Afghan government and the Taliban and termed the Jirga’s suggestion as an important step towards the peace process.
He said all parties should remain committed to peace and implement their promises in this regard.
He added his country wanted to play positive role in the Afghan peace process.
