ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has welcomed the announcement to start the much-awaited intra-Afghan negotiations being held in Qatar today (Saturday) aimed at bringing an end to four decades of war in Afghanistan.
"I warmly welcome the announcement regarding commencement of intra-Afghan negotiations on 12 September 2020. Finally, our combined efforts have brought forth the day that the Afghan people have been yearning for," said Prime Minister Imran Khan in a statement.
For more than 40 years, he added that Afghans had suffered from continued conflict and bloodshed.
"Pakistan has endured the fall-out - reflected in incidence of terrorism, loss of precious lives, and huge economic cost," he added.
The prime minister added that he had underlined for a long time that there was no military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan and that the only way forward was a negotiated political settlement.
"Through relentless efforts, Pakistan has played a pivotal role in facilitating the Afghan peace process to this juncture. We feel deeply gratified today as we have fulfilled our part of the responsibility," he stated.
He added that it was now for the Afghan leaders to seize this historic opportunity, work together constructively, and secure an inclusive, broad-based and comprehensive political settlement.
"Successful culmination of an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation process is indispensable for Afghanistan and for regional peace, stability and prosperity," Prime Minister Khan said, hoping that all sides would honour their respective commitments, persevere in the face of all challenges, and remain unflinchingly committed to achieving the desired outcome.
For its part, he added that Pakistan would continue to remain in full support and solidarity with the Afghan people as they march forward in this consequential journey for peace and development.
The opening ceremony of the intra-Afghan dialogue is being held in Qatar today (Saturday) to be attended by the United States Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation of Afghanistan Abdullah Abdullah, Afghan acting Foreign Minister Mohammad Haneef Atmar, and others.
Pakistan will be represented in the ceremony by Prime Minister's Special Representative for Afghanistan Mohammad Sadiq, while Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi will join the participants via a video link.
"Pakistan welcomes the announcement of the start of historic intra-Afghan negotiations on 12 September in Doha. We hope these negotiations would lead to sustainable peace in Afghanistan, which would bring prosperity to the country. Our strong support to the process would continue," Mohammad Sadiq stated in a tweet.
In a statement, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also welcomed the announcement of the peace negotiations, saying, "The start of these talks marks a historic opportunity for Afghanistan to bring an end to four decades of war and bloodshed".
He stated that the people of Afghanistan had carried the burden of war for too long.
They yearn for peace.
"Only through an Afghan-owned, Afghan-led political process - one that respects the views of all Afghan communities, including women and ethnic and religious minorities - can the parties achieve a durable peace," Pompeo said, who would also be attending the opening ceremony of the negotiations in Qatar today (Saturday).
"This opportunity must not be squandered. Immense sacrifice and investment by the United States, our partners, and the people of Afghanistan have made this moment of hope possible. I urge the negotiators to demonstrate the pragmatism, restraint, and flexibility this process will require to succeed," he said, adding that the people of Afghanistan and the international community would be watching closely.
The United States is prepared to support as requested, he added.
The United States recalls the commitment by the Afghan government and the Taliban that terrorists can never again use Afghan soil to threaten the United States or its allies.
Now is the time for peace in Afghanistan.
Earlier, the Afghan government and the Taliban through separate statements announced the start of the much awaited intra-Afghan negotiations following completion of the releases of prisoners in each other's captivity.
"In accordance with the agreement reached between IEA [Taliban] & USA, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan announces its readiness to participate in the inaugural meeting of the intra-Afghan dialogue to be held in Qatar on September 12," said Dr Mohammad Naeem, spokesman of the Taliban political office in Doha. Afghan presidential palace also announced its team would be heading to Doha to participate in the peace talks.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2020
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