NEW DELHI, Dec 5: After months of negotiations for its formation, Afghanistan president Mohammad Ashraf Ghani on Saturday inaugurated the first meeting of the High Council for National Reconciliation (HCNR) of the country.
Ghani stated, “today we arranged this landmark meeting as the peace talks enter the second phase. The meeting today sends a positive message to the Afghans and the international community. It is a success to see the peace process entering the second round and no one should pursue their benefit in peace talks.”
The meeting is being, conducted as the Afghan government delegation and Taliban leaders took measures to agree on a procedural process two days ago paving the way for negotiations on the peace agenda discussion in Doha, the capital of the Gulf State of Qatar.
The Afghanistan side is also represented by Hamid Karzai, the former President and Mohammad Yunus Qanooni, the former vice president and the meeting is led by Dr Abdullah Abdullah, the Chairman of the HCNR.
Welcoming all the guests, Dr Abdullah thanked them for accepting the invitation and stated the committee represents all segments of society and reflects the diversity of the Islamic Republic. The country’s national interest rests in the guidance of the HCNR and its attempts to achieve stability. We will only decide after consultation and in complete accordance with the constitutional demands of the citizens of Afghanistan.”
He also told the Executive Committee to address the peace process and said going-forward meetings would be held every month on a reglar basis. “Unity requires harmony, consensus, and inclusiveness. Peace needs sacrifice, and we are in a position to communicate thoroughly with the Taliban to address all problems. The first condition of the people of Afghanistan is a cessation in violence and a permanent truce.”
Dr Abdullah in, a series of tweet message stated “We have to agree on how to preserve the achievements of the past, & at the same time move forward & have a political settlement. There might be a time that requires the decision of the people of AFG at that point, we shall decide collectively on how to consult the people. The People of Afghanistan demand peace, & and end to war, violence & bloodshed. We have to end the war, & open a new peaceful chapter in our country. I do not have any personal agenda in seeking peace. My aim & only aim is a permanent peace in Afghanistan.
“We are committed to a just, lasting, & inclusive, & peace in Afghanistan. We have the political will, & the support of the people to do so. However, peace doesn’t mean a return to the past. We are seeking peace that offers a dignified future for everyone. We are calling for a permanent ceasefire. War destroys the country, & every one, but peace will guarantee a future for everyone. Releasing the Taliban prisoners was a bold step. It demonstrates that the people of Afghanistan are ready for sacrifice if needed”.
He also thanked the International Committee for the support provided to Afghanistan. In a tweet message, he stated “Afghanistan to achieve an enduring peace requires international, & regional support. I Thank the US, EU, NATO, Islamic countries, & the state of Qatar for supporting the peace process, Afghanistan & hosting the peace talks. I thank the Republic’s negotiation team for the tireless efforts, & representing the republic negotiation team that they enjoy the full support of the people of AFG, & the HCRN.
(Venkatesh Iyer)
