Direct Talks between Afghan Govt, Taliban Stressed in Islamabad Talks
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Afghanistan, China, Pakistan and the United States on Monday emphasized the immediate need for direct talks between representatives of the Afghan government and Taliban groups in a peace process that is aimed to preserve Afghanistan’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
This was emphasized during the first meeting of the Quadrilateral Coordination Group (QCG) of Afghanistan, Pakistan, the United States and China on Afghan peace and reconciliation process held in Islamabad on Monday.
The participants underscored the importance of bringing an end to the conflict in Afghanistan that continues to inflict senseless violence on the Afghan people and also breeds insecurity throughout the region, a joint statement issued on Monday said, Pakistan's News International newspaper reported on Tuesday.
The Group reiterated the commitment of their countries to the realization of the objectives expressed in their statement from the quadrilateral meeting held on the sidelines of the Heart of Asia Conference in Islamabad on December 9, 2015.
Building on the outcome of December 9 trilateral and quadrilateral meetings, they considered mutual efforts to facilitate an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation process with a view to achieving lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan and the region.
The discussion focused on undertaking a clear and realistic assessment of the opportunities for peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan, anticipated obstacles and measures that would help create conducive environment for peace talks with the shared goal of reducing violence and establishing lasting peace in Afghanistan.
The meeting adopted the terms for the work of the Quadrilateral Coordination Group and agreed to continue regular meetings to advance the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan.
The group would hold discussions on a roadmap in its next meeting to be held on January 18, 2016 in Kabul.
