Ghani to Taliban: We are Ready for any Kind of Negotiation
President Ashraf Ghani has proposed recognition of the Taliban as a legitimate political group, and to negotiate without any conditions.
President Ashraf Ghani has proposed recognition of the Taliban as a legitimate political group, and to negotiate without any conditions.
Ghani made the proposal during a conference of countries and organizations in “Kabul Process-2” on 28 February.
“Taliban leaders and all members, the decision is in your hands. Accept peace, come to the negotiating table, and let us build this country together,” he said.
Ghani offered the militants a cease-fire, a release of prisoners, passports, an office in Kabul or another agreed location, and the removal of sanctions.
The president also said he would be ready to accept a review of the constitution as part of an accord with the Taliban.
“We are making this offer without preconditions in order to lead to a peace agreement,” he said, insisting that Kabul “will consider the Taliban’s view in the peace talks.”
The one-day conference in Kabul was attended by representatives from 28 countries and several international organizations.
President Ghani considered domestic economic projects important for the country’s infrastructure.
“Fortunately, Afghanistan’s status is in a way that raises this country both in terms of regional prosperity and strengthen the connectivity of Afghanistan’s society by creating opportunities for all the people,” he said.
“In the past, some believed that Afghanistan is an isolated and landlocked country that needs others aid forever, fortunately, the new regional projects converted Afghanistan from a challenge to golden opportunity,” President Ghani stressed referring implicitly to Pakistan.
“The face of Afghanistan has changed in terms of demographics. The absolute majority of our society is now youth, and it is clear that the youth have workforce, which it guarantees the country’s production and social welfare,” he added.
Speaking about women’s role and their activities in peace process, president Ghani said: “Today, the Afghan women represent themselves and have good words for the government, the region and world.”
