Amid an escalation in peace efforts by the Afghan government and the international community, Mehwar-e Mardom-e Afghanistan, “Axis of Afghanistan’s People”, on Wednesday issued a statement in which it said that there must be a national consensus on peace talks with the Taliban and that the process should be led by the Afghan government and the Afghan people.
Addressing a press conference in Kabul on Thursday, some members of the party said Washington’s efforts have brought a “cautious” hope on peace.
They said Taliban should ensure that they would enter the talks from a united address.
Rahmatullah Nabil, Head of Mehwar-e Mardom-e Afghanistan, and Rangin Dadfar Spanta, member of the political party, stressed the need for maintaining achievements of the past 17 years in the country when it comes to peace talks with the Taliban.
“Talks on peace can be held only with the continuation of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan as well as recognition and adhering to principles of an Islamic republic system,” said Nabil, who read the statement at the press conference.
“A long-term ceasefire shall come into effect during the peace talks,” he added. “Furthermore, the peace treaty with the Taliban shall stipulate the disarmament of private armed groups and there should be a timeline for it.”
“Peace with the Taliban must not compromise the achievements made in political, legal, social, cultural and economic fronts over the past 17 years,” Spanta said.
Achieving a national consensus in peace talks and role of regional countries in the process are among the top priorities that, according to members of the party, should be addressed in the peace process.
“Taliban who participated in the peace talks must represent a unified leadership and group so that the Afghan people are assured that once the peace is ensured, they will no longer continue armed struggles against the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan,” said Spanta.
Spanta meanwhile talked about a possible participation of the party in the upcoming presidential elections.
“We believe that Mr. Nabil is one of the most suitable candidates and if it the party will take part in the elections, it will have its suitable candidate (for the presidential elections),” said Spanta member of the party.
Other parts of the statement reads that the role of women should not be ignored in the peace process and in government’s structure. It adds that there is a need for regional consensus to ensure a lasting peace in Afghanistan.
The statement says that peace shall not compromise the independence and freedom of the country and that it should respect the national sovereignty so that a dignified peace is ensured in Afghanistan.
“Any peace agreement shall be binding in national, regional and international levels,” the statement says. “Peace with the Taliban shall enjoy the support of all countries and international organizations.”
It also mentions that peace with the Taliban should not pose a threat to political parties, groups, social and civil organizations.
