Taliban Delay To The Peace Process Rises Isolation: Rabbani

KABUL: (MEP) The second round of quadrilateral peace process talks began with speech of Salahuddin Rabbani, Foreign Minister of Afghanistan, in Kabul Monday afternoon in Presidential Palace (ARG) with high-ranking representatives of Afghanistan, Pakistan, China and United States.

Rabbani, while thanking the hosting of the first round of talks in Islamabad, expressed hope that at today’s meeting on a joint mechanism for peace and the continuation to be negotiated.

He stressed that security in Afghanistan is in the interest of Pakistan and the region, people have long suffered from terrorist attacks and their victims.

“I wish to reiterate that early restoration of peace in Afghanistan is the demand and desire of every Afghan citizen, and a precondition for peace in the wider region, especially in Pakistan, a neighboring country that has also not remained immune to the scourge of terrorism and violence.” He added.

He went on to say that the Afghan nation has suffered more than enough from years of senseless violence and destruction. “There isn’t a single Afghan family that hasn’t been affected by the daily acts of brutal and deadly terrorism carried out across our cities, towns, and villages. Our children – girls and boys – are attacked on their way to school and our mosques and public spaces are blown up all in the name of a noble religion, which in reality stands for peace and peaceful coexistence.”

Rabbani urged of all the Taliban groups to join peace process in order to reach a solution through political dialogue.

He warned that any delay of the Taliban in the peace process would raises isolation to the group and people’s view towards them would be even worse.

Rabbani said: “Now we hope today’s [Monday] meeting will sustain the good momentum of this overall effort and of the Islamabad Quadrilateral Coordination Group meeting last week.”

Foreign Minister pointed out that the basic demand of the Afghan people is a lasting peace and lasting peace we want.

“Preserving the achievements, the implementation of the constitution and respect for women is considered one of the issues that people and the government wants to maintain it and it can only be obtained by choosing peace process.” He emphasized.