WASHINGTON - A recently signed peace agreement with the Hezb-i-Islami Afghanistan (HIA) can serve as a model for the Taliban who are willing to give up violence and embrace peace, a top Afghan diplomat told the UN General Assembly on Thursday.
“We are determined to bring peace to Afghanistan with or without the support of those who have thus far failed to proactively support this process,” Afghan Ambassador to UN Mahmoud Saikal said in his address to the General Assembly.
The recently signed peace agreement with the HIA leadership marked the government’s strong commitment to peace and the fact that they were willing to take hard decisions. “The implementation process has already begun with cessation of active hostilities between our security forces and those loyal to the group.
“We hope this agreement can serve as a model for reconcilable Taliban who are willing to give up violence and embrace peace,” Saikal said, believing the Quadrilateral Coordination Group, comprised of Afghanistan, Pakistan, China and the US, could still be a useful platform to facilitate dialogue.
“Yet, achieving any degree of progress requires clear and decisive action to honour commitments within the framework of the QCG Road Map,” the ambassador stressed. The group has held several rounds of inconclusive talks.
The General Assembly on unanimously adopted a resolution on Afghanistan, pledging continued support, in particular as the government rebuilt a stable, secure and economically self-sufficient state free from terrorism and narcotics. It voiced alarm over a recent spike in civilian casualties and the influence of extremists. (Pajhwok)