Afghanistan says talks with Hizb-i-Islami ‘successful’

By Zabihullah Tamanna

KABUL, Afghanistan

In a major breakthrough, the Afghan government has announced a successful end to the first round of peace talks with Hizb-i-Islami Afghanistan (HIA).

Mohammad Khan, an Afghan deputy chief executive, said on Wednesday that a draft agreement comprised of three chapters and 25 articles had been handed over to the HIA delegation.

Khan said the peace deal would be finalized after being signed by President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani and HIA leader Gulbadin Hikmaryar.

HIA’s major demands included the release of its prisoners, exclusion of Hikmatyar’s name from the UN and UNSC’s black list, repatriation of refugees and free and fair polls.

Negotiations had started two months ago in Kabul.

Khan also called on other militant groups, including the Taliban, to renounce violence and join the reconciliation process.

By Zabihullah Tamanna

KABUL, Afghanistan

In a major breakthrough, the Afghan government has announced a successful end to the first round of peace talks with Hizb-i-Islami Afghanistan (HIA).

Mohammad Khan, an Afghan deputy chief executive, said on Wednesday that a draft agreement comprised of three chapters and 25 articles had been handed over to the HIA delegation.

Khan said the peace deal would be finalized after being signed by President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani and HIA leader Gulbadin Hikmaryar.

HIA’s major demands included the release of its prisoners, exclusion of Hikmatyar’s name from the UN and UNSC’s black list, repatriation of refugees and free and fair polls.

Negotiations had started two months ago in Kabul.

Khan also called on other militant groups, including the Taliban, to renounce violence and join the reconciliation process.