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KABUL: US Special Envoy for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad has embarked on another peace tour to Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Qatar, Russia, and the United Kingdom for talks with each country’s leadership on the Afghan peace process, just after the planned Doha peace talks between Afghan delegation and Taliban negotiation members revoked over disagreement over who to attend the conference.
“Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad will travel to Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Qatar, Russia, and the United Kingdom April 21 to May 11, as part of the overall effort to facilitate a political settlement that ends the conflict in Afghanistan,” the US Department of State says in a statement on Monday.
According to the statement, in Kabul, Khalilzad will consult with the Afghan government and other Afghans to encourage all parties to work towards intra-Afghan dialogue and negotiations to determine a final peace settlement.
“In London, Moscow, Islamabad, and New Delhi, he will work to build international support for the Afghan peace process to help ensure that any peace settlement reached will be sustainable,” the statement added.
It furthered; “In Doha, he will continue to press forward on negotiations with the Taliban to reach a consensus on core national security issues, and urge their participation in an inclusive intra-Afghan dialogue.
The peace mission once again on air after the Qatari government and the Taliban negotiation members opposed 250-member delegation to attend 20-21 April peace talks with Taliban in Doha.
Soon after cancellation of talks, Khalilzad expressed his disappointment over Doha intra-Afghan talks delay.
“I’m disappointed Qatar’s intra-Afghan initiative has been delayed. We’re in touch with all parties and encouraged that everyone remains committed to dialogue and the Afghan Peace Process,” he said in a tweet message.
He said that dialogue is and always will be key to a political roadmap and lasting peace.
“There is no alternative. I urge all sides to seize the moment and put things back on track by agreeing to a participant list that speaks for all Afghans. I stand ready to help if our help is needed.”
