Taliban negotiating team has lashed out at the Afghan government over the list of 250 delegates for Qatar talks, saying officials must “realize that this is an orderly and prearranged conference in a far-away Gulf country; not an invitation to some wedding or similar party at a hotel in Kabul.”
The Group also claimed the government fears similar gatherings and the progress made towards a peaceful Afghanistan, adding their approach could “ruin” the process.
“The Kabul administration has published a list of 250 participants for the said conference but the hosts of this conference have no plans of accepting so many people from Kabul and neither is such participation normal in such conferences,” Taliban said in a statement earlier today, as quoted by local media.
The statement further said that “a limited number of politicians, including the elderly figures are stated in the final list [for Qatar talks], and shall only they be participating.”
Meanwhile, Presidential Palace said that leaders of the National Unity Government and a number of politicians in a meeting with the members of Qatar negotiating team Wednesday discussed the importance of peace process, while representing Afghanistan honorably during the talks.
However, critics suggested that participants would have not much control over the meetings, as quantity of thoughts are overloading.
Mohammad Ali Jafari, a political expert, said that Afghan government failed to comply and form a united body of the people within the country, who could diplomatically tackle the peace issues.
Adel Shah Quraishi, another political expert, said from the beginning of peace talks the Afghan government acted without any exact agenda, and that participants of Qatar summit were selected randomly.
Qatar summit on peace in Afghanistan is due on April 19 between the Afghan government and politicians, onward which the talks will take its officials shape with the Taliban representatives. The outcome is expected for a comprehensive ceasefire.
According to sources, the gathering will tackle key issues on Freedom of Speech, Women’s Right, Varity of Power and Leadership, Impacts of War on Country’s Economy, Quality of Judicial, Legislative and Executive Powers.
[Earlier: ‘Gov’t Announces 250 Delegates for Qatar Talks’]
Following Moscow talks, Afghan government has released a list of 250 delegate – including government officials – for Qatar talks to negotiate with the Taliban representatives in a bid for peace in Afghanistan.
Shah Hussain Murtazawi, Deputy Spokesman for the President said on a facebook post Tuesday that a list of 250 delegates — which is discussed amongst Afghan politicians, government officials, influential personages, including 50 women — have been released by the Government.
Rangin Dadfar Spanta, Zalmay Rasool, Sayed Hamid Gelani, Ommar Zakhelwal, Hekmat Khalil Karzai, Mohammad Esmael Khan, Atta Mohammad Noor, Younus Qanoni, Attaullah Lodin, Ziaulhaq Amarkhail, Abdul-Salam Rahimi, Abudus-Salam Zaef, Mohammad Mohaqiq and Abdul Hafiz Mansoor are some high-ranking politicians and government officials stated in the list.
Previously the Taliban has repeatedly refused to include Afghan government on a round table for peace talks; but this time some government officials are listed for a face-to-face talks with the Taliban.
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Moscow talks this year was held between the Taliban and Afghan Politicians, where 250 delegates represented Afghanistan and 25 the Taliban – but non from the government officials.
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