Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Wednesday unveiled a plan to open peace talks with the Taliban, including eventually recognising them as a political party, days after the militants called for direct negotiations with the U.S.
The apparent openness by both sides to some form of negotiations came as civilian casualties have soared in recent months, with the Taliban increasingly targeting towns and cities in response to a new and more aggressive U.S. military policy ordered by President Donald Trump.
Mr. Ghani disclosed the framework at the Kabul Process, a regional conference focussed on bringing peace to the country. He called for a truce, after which the Taliban could become a political party and contest elections.
“A ceasefire should be held, the Taliban should be recognised as a political party and trust-building process should be initiated,” said Mr. Ghani, in remarks similar to past offers.
“Now the decision is in your hands, accept peace... and let’s bring stability to this country.” In return, Mr. Ghani said the militants should officially recognise the Afghan government and Constitution, a perennial sticking point in past attempts to open talks.
No immediate response
There was no immediate response to Mr. Ghani’s offer from the Taliban. However, the group’s spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid maligned the Kabul Process, tweeting that the conference sought the Taliban’s “surrender” at a time when it is “without a doubt a force that has defeated an international arrogant power like America with all its allies and tools at disposal”.
On Monday, the Taliban said it was prepared to enter direct talks with the U.S. to find a “peaceful solution”. That statement, however, made no mention of negotiating with the Afghan government.
Published - February 28, 2018 10:28 pm IST
