Dostum Welcomes Hekmatyar’s Return

First Vice President Gen. Abdul Rashid Dostum in a visit with members of Hizb-e-Islami  said that Gulbuddin Hekmatyar’s presence in Kabul would have positive impact on security situation in the country. A press release from Dostum’s office stated that Dostum met with prominent members of Hezb-e- Islami including Juma Khan Hamdard, Homayon Jarer, and Habib Rahman Hekmatyar in Kabul yesterday. The statement added that Dostum said that presence of Hekmatyar would strengthen Afghan security forces’ morale in the fight against armed anti-government groups. The statement further stated that Habib Rahman, son of Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, conveyed his father’s greeting to Dostum and rejected reports of his illness. In September-end last year, the national unity government signed a peace deal with Hizb-e-Islami and called for the removal of Hekmatyar’s name from a UN blacklist.