Afghan Taliban’s Doha office revived, initial talks begin

• Officials say Afghan govt and Taliban representatives chalking out strategy and terms for formal talks in March
• Islamabad, Beijing, Doha and Dubai possible venue for talks
• Afghan President Ghani lauds Pakistan for facilitating talks, warns against disinformation campaign by detractors of peace

The Afghan Taliban’s office in Doha has been revived and the Taliban are now holding initial talks with the Afghan government with Pakistan acting as facilitator, as Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Friday welcomed Pakistan’s initiative to help in the reconciliation process.

Ghani’s office, however, warned that opponents to the peace efforts could mislead people through disinformation.

“The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan respects Pakistan’s recent efforts to pave the way for peace and reconciliation,” the Afghan Presidential Palace said in a statement.

The statement released by the Afghan Embassy in Islamabad also welcomed COAS Raheel Sharif’s remarks that Pakistan considers “Afghanistan’s enemy as its own enemy” during his recent meeting with President Ghani and Chief Executive Dr Abdullah Abdullah.

“Pakistani and Afghanistan leaders have reached a conclusion to begin joint efforts in view of threats and difficulties. The shocking attacks on the army school in Peshawar and Paktika’s Yahya Khel area have strengthened determination and commitment in both countries to jointly fight against terrorism and extremism.”

The statement added that Afghanistan, Pakistan, and international allies are committed to sincerely cooperate with each other to achieve peace. Like Pakistan, Afghan government also believes that certain elements could try to derail the peace process.

“No doubt there would be people to oppose the peace process. They would also try to mislead the people through spreading disinformation. The National Unity Government is determined to carry the peace process forward in accordance with the aspirations of the people of Afghanistan.”

As the peace move is likely to pick up in the coming weeks, the Afghan president has stepped up consultations with stakeholders in the country to evolve consensus.

On Friday, President Ghani took members of the High Peace Council, which is assigned the reconciliation process with the armed opponents, and discussed with them ways for the possible peace process, the Presidential Palace said.

Ghani told council members that establishment of peace in Afghanistan is his priority and that there is a consensus on the issue, which shall surely be achieved.

The peace council members threw their weight behind Ghani’s reconciliation move, the Pashto-language statement added.

“Establishment of peace in our country is very difficult after a long war and mistrust. However, being a nation we must bring peace to our country and not to permit repetition of the history of hostilities,” Ghani was quoted as saying.

“The peace route is not a short route. But I am confident to prove all international experiences wrong and bring peace to our country as soon as possible,” added Ghani.

TERMS OF DIALOGUE:

Meanwhile, a top Pakistani official privy to the developments confirmed the resumption of initial contacts between the two parties for devising the rules and agenda of formal talks expected to begin in March.

“Yes I can confirm Taliban’s Doha office has been revived and now with the facilitation of Pakistan, Afghan Taliban are holding initial talks with senior Afghan government officials to chalk out the strategy and set rules for formal talks,” the official said on condition of anonymity.

Another official confirmed that the Afghan Taliban have held two rounds of talks with senior officials in Beijing, and Pakistan was taken on board by Chinese officials about the conclusion of the talks held in the Chinese capital.

Details reveal that in the initial level talks, the Afghan Taliban are being represented by Qari Din Mohammad from the Taliban political office in Doha who also went to China in late November, 2014 to discuss the situation in Afghanistan. Qari Din Muhammad also held a meeting with senior US diplomats in Doha this week.

Islamabad, Beijing, Doha and Dubai are the possible venue for talks, and a final destination would be decided by the end of this month.

Foreign Office spokesperson Tasneem Aslam said Pakistan has vital stakes in peace and stability in Afghanistan and is ready to provide whatever assistance it can.

“We are ready to facilitate the reconciliation process to the possible extent,” she said.

Pakistan military’s media wing had issued a rare statement on Thursday in response to the reports surfacing in the international media that Gen Raheel Sharif, during his visit to Kabul, had indicated to the Afghan leadership that Taliban might be willing to open reconciliation process.

“While onus for such negotiations to succeed lies on both parties concerned, Pakistan in all sincerity will support the process, as peace in Afghanistan will contribute to peace in the region. We hope all stakeholders will continue to act with responsibility not to allow detractors of peace to succeed,” a military spokesman had said.

However, an Afghan Taliban spokesperson had said on Thursday that the reports stating the leadership of the faction is willing to hold peace talks with US officials were fabricated. Zabiullah Mujahid denied the reports saying that reports of the faction pushing for peace talks are false.

Meanwhile, China is also making efforts to help prevent neighbouring Afghanistan from sliding into complete chaos after Western forces ended their combat mission in the mountainous nation last year.

“We will support the Afghan government in realising reconciliation with various political factions, including the Taliban,” Wang Yi had said during a visit to Pakistan last week. “China is ready to play a constructive role and will provide the necessary facilitation at any time if required by various parties in Afghanistan.”