KABUL - The Head of the High Peace Council (HPC), Mohammad Karim Khalili said on Sunday that violence and conflict being escalated in the country, adding the citizens should form “national front” to bring peace.
“Part of the country is under control of the Taliban and the conflict is being escalated,” Khalili said. “No sacred places, roads, shops are safe and everyday young Afghans being killed from both sides in frontline combat.”
Despite admitting that there has been no contact with the Taliban in the past four months, the council believes there are certain Taliban members who are ready to talk peace with the government.
“Taliban is being [described] as an umbrella for Daesh, drug and mine smugglers and armed men,” said HPC Secretary Mohammad Akram Khpalwak.  Adding that Daesh is attempting to promote their ideas in the universities.
The council, however, stated that it has finalized a new strategy that could open new routes towards Afghan peace and reconciliation process.
“The new strategy opens the door for peace process and we could enter peace talks with new approach,”  said the Deputy of HPC, Attaullah Salim.
This comes as the Taliban previously had stated that seeking a peace deal with the current Afghan government would be tantamount to a surrender to the “enemy”. (ATN)