Engagement between Afghan sides in Doha ‘positive development’: FO

Pakistan on Monday welcomed the ongoing engagement between the two Afghan sides in Doha deeming it ‘a positive development’.

“Pakistan believes that there is no military solution to the Afghan conflict and that a negotiated political settlement through Afghan-owned and Afghan-led process is the only way forward,” a statement released by the Foreign Office said.

The negotiations in Doha, which were led by Abdullah on the Afghan government side and by Abdul Ghani Baradar for the Taliban, resulted in an agreement to expedite the peace efforts and continue high-level talks.

It further said that Pakistan hoped that the Afghan sides would continue their engagement in future in a meaningful manner.

“This will help in reduction of violence, weaken the hands of spoilers and pave the way for establishment of lasting peace in Afghanistan,” it added.

According to TOLONews, Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation Abdullah Abdullah said that Afghanistan is experiencing its ‘last opportunities’ for peace and a political settlement.

“The last opportunities remain for a political settlement and an enduring peace in Afghanistan,” Abdullah said adding that the people of Afghanistan are expecting the peace negotiations to be expedited so the opportunity is not missed.

Abdullah said no excuse remained for the continuation of violence as international forces are leaving.

He added that the continuation of violence, bloodshed and the destruction of infrastructure, public assets and the Afghan people’s achievements is a stance against the development and honor of Afghanistan.

Abdullah said the solution to the ongoing conflict is not through military means and that no group can reach its goal militarily.

The negotiations in Doha, which were led by Abdullah on the Afghan Republic side and by Abdul Ghani Baradar for the Taliban, resulted in an agreement to expedite the peace efforts and continue high-level talks.