Historic Afghan peace deal in two days: negotiator
The agreement was earlier scheduled to be signed in Kabul on September 10
The agreement was earlier scheduled to be signed in Kabul on September 10. PHOTO: FILE
ISLAMABAD:
Gulbuddin Hekmatyar-led Hizb-i-Islami Afghanistan is set to ink a "historic" peace agreement with the Afghan government in two days, a senior Hizb leader claimed on Tuesday.
With the signing of the agreement, the Hizb, the second largest resistance group in Afghanistan, will declare a ceasefire and join mainstream politics. This will also pave the way for Hekmatyar's return to Kabul.
Abdullah gives up opposition to peace deal, says Hizb-e-Islami
“The signing ceremony will either be held on Wednesday afternoon or Thursday morning,” a member of the group's 13-member delegation said. Speaking to The Express Tribune, another member of the delegation said, “I can confirm that the agreement would be signed either on Wednesday or Thursday.”
According to reports, the group's political committee chief Ghairat Baheer will lead the delegation, while Amin Karim will sign the deal. The agreement was earlier scheduled to be signed in Kabul on September 10, according to Hekmatyar, but “internal problems” led to the postponement of the accord.
Afghanistan’s Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah on Sunday withdrew his opposition to the proposed peace agreement, a senior Hizb leader claimed. Abdullah told the council of ministers that he did not oppose the peace deal and that he had given his consent in its favour.
Peace deal still on hold
The Afghan government has been under pressure to sign the draft of the peace deal. The agreement is seen as important in the wake of the Taliban refusal to join the peace process.
“If the process fails, how will the government tell the Taliban and other groups to join the reconciliation?” Radio Azadi quoted Senator Muhammad Hasan Hotak as saying.
Gulbuddin Hekmatyar-led Hizb-i-Islami Afghanistan is set to ink a "historic" peace agreement with the Afghan government in two days, a senior Hizb leader claimed on Tuesday.
With the signing of the agreement, the Hizb, the second largest resistance group in Afghanistan, will declare a ceasefire and join mainstream politics. This will also pave the way for Hekmatyar's return to Kabul.
Abdullah gives up opposition to peace deal, says Hizb-e-Islami
“The signing ceremony will either be held on Wednesday afternoon or Thursday morning,” a member of the group's 13-member delegation said. Speaking to The Express Tribune, another member of the delegation said, “I can confirm that the agreement would be signed either on Wednesday or Thursday.”
According to reports, the group's political committee chief Ghairat Baheer will lead the delegation, while Amin Karim will sign the deal. The agreement was earlier scheduled to be signed in Kabul on September 10, according to Hekmatyar, but “internal problems” led to the postponement of the accord.
Afghanistan’s Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah on Sunday withdrew his opposition to the proposed peace agreement, a senior Hizb leader claimed. Abdullah told the council of ministers that he did not oppose the peace deal and that he had given his consent in its favour.
Peace deal still on hold
The Afghan government has been under pressure to sign the draft of the peace deal. The agreement is seen as important in the wake of the Taliban refusal to join the peace process.
“If the process fails, how will the government tell the Taliban and other groups to join the reconciliation?” Radio Azadi quoted Senator Muhammad Hasan Hotak as saying.