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“As Afghan peace talks continue to progress, we agreed preparation for intra-Afghan negotiations now is essential”
AT News Report
KABUL: Former President Hamid Karzai and the US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad met and discussed ways how to put a full stop to the ongoing violence.
Khalilzad arrived in Kabul on Sunday night, and have meet with Afghan leaders, including President Ashraf Ghani. He said that he will “stay here for some time on this trip” and that he will have consultations with a wide range of people.
“A good conversation on the peace process with US Special Envoy for Afghanistan Reconciliation, Zalamy Khalilzad,” former President Hamid Karzi tweeted, adding, “Discussed ways to end violence and conflict and to bring peace to Afghanistan sonnets possible.”
“Peace talks are entering a new stage and Afghans must be engaged more than ever,” Khalilzad said in a tweet.
On his first day of stay in Kabul, Khalilzad also met with President Ghani and his team.
“Good meeting with President Ashraf Ghani and his team. Discussed building further international consensus for peace,” Khalilzad said in a tweet message.
“Also regional requirements and implications for peace including recent positive movement in Afghanistan-Pakistan relations and opportunities peace will provide for regional connectivity and development,” he furthered.
As Afghan Peace Process talks continue to progress, we agreed preparation for intra-Afghan negotiations now is essential, the US envoy furthered.
The Presidential Palace said in a statement that Khalilzad briefed President Ghani on his trips to Europe and his future plans in the peace process.
The statement said that the discussions were mostly focused on intra-Afghan dialogue and that the two sides welcomed Germany’s role in this regard.
“The two sides hoped that the intra-Afghan talks will begin as soon as possible,” the statement said.
The US Embassy in Kabul said in a statement on Sunday that Khalilzad is in Kabul for consultations with leaders of the National Unity Government, political leaders, civil society, and women.
The statement said that Khalilzad will discuss progress in US efforts to facilitate an inclusive peace process.
His arrival in Kabul follows stops in Islamabad, Berlin, and Brussels, the statement said.
“As peace talks reach a critical phase, engagement with more Afghans across the country on how to achieve a negotiated political settlement that brings a durable peace is of utmost importance,” the statement says.
During his visit, Khalilzad will engage Afghans from across society, including youth and students, female business owners and government officials, and religious leaders, the statement said.
