KABUL - The Moscow meeting on Afghan peace process kicks off on Friday with delegations from High Peace Council (HPC), the Taliban and 12 countries in attendance.
Earlier, the HPC delegation has left Kabul for Russia to participate in the peace summit.
Sayed Ihsanullah Tahiri, the HPC spokesman, told Pajhwok Afghan News the four-member group of the HPC would participate in peace talks Russia is hosting in Moscow.
He said the HPC delegation has been leading by Haji Din Mohammad accompanied by Habiba Surabi, Abdul Khabir Ochoqon, and Maulvi Attaurahman Saleem.
Sayed Ihsan Tahiri added the HPC delegation would participate on behalf of the Afghan government and people in the summit.
He further added the Moscow summit’s agenda would be the Afghan peace process and providing the facility for peace negotiations between the Afghan government and the Taliban.
The Taliban have officially confirmed they would attend the multilateral meeting in Moscow on Friday, but a spokesman for the insurgent group clarified Tuesday its delegates will not engage in any Afghan peace and reconciliation talks at the Moscow gathering.
Zabihullah Mujahid said a high-ranking delegation from the Taliban’s Qatar-based office will travel to the Russian capital to “partake” in the Friday meeting.
The Taliban have officially confirmed they would attend the multilateral meeting in Moscow on Friday, but a spokesman for the insurgent group clarified Tuesday its delegates will not engage in any Afghan peace and reconciliation talks at the Moscow gathering.
Zabihullah Mujahid said a high-ranking delegation from the Taliban’s Qatar-based office will travel to the Russian capital to “partake” in the Friday meeting.
He said the Taliban delegation included Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, Mualvi Abdul Salam Hanafi, Mualvi Shahbuddin Delawar, Mualvi Zia-ul-Rahman Madani and Mohammad Sohail Shahin.
In addition, representatives from 12 countries including representatives from Iran, China, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan arrived for the talks, officials said.
The US foreign ministry said that an official from the US Embassy in Russia would take part in the huddle.
The summit was said to be held in September 4th but it was delayed based on the Afghanistan government’s request.(Pajhwok)