Pakistan recognises the government of President Karzai as the legitimate government of Afghanistan, says foreign office spokesperson. PHOTO: APP/FILE
As the row between the US and the Afghan government over the status of the newly-opened Taliban office in Doha simmers, Pakistan on Thursday dismissed suggestions that the Qatar process is aimed at undermining the legitimacy of President Hamid Karzai’s administration.
“Pakistan recognises the government of President Hamid Karzai as the legitimate government of Afghanistan,” said foreign ministry spokesperson Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry at his weekly briefing when asked about Islamabad’s policy on the Afghan Taliban.
The Afghan government voiced its concerns over the handling of peace talks in Doha. The US has long wanted the talks, but Kabul said there had been a “breach of principles” in the initiative. The Afghan foreign ministry accused the Americans of acting in bad faith.
“The manner in which the office was established was in clear breach of the principles and terms of references agreed with us by the US government,” the ministry said in a statement. It also said that the Taliban had been presenting the office as an embassy – a move that Kabul said it could not accept.
Answering a question, Chaudhry attempted to distance Pakistan from the brewing controversy between the US and the Afghan government. The spokesperson explained that although Pakistan facilitated the opening of the Taliban office in Doha, it was not associated with the details of the office.
However, he hoped that all stakeholders in Afghanistan would be part of the reconciliation process in order to bring lasting peace in Afghanistan.
“Our stance remains that the reconciliation process requires an inclusive intra-Afghan dialogue. Talks in Doha are a part of that reconciliation process,” the spokesman said.
When asked about the Afghan government’s statement demanding the release of all Afghan Taliban prisoners in custody in Pakistan, Chaudhry said, “Pakistan is committed to considering all necessary steps and efforts that could further the reconciliation process.”
The Afghan foreign ministry on Thursday demanded Pakistan release the prisoners if it is ‘sincere about playing its role in the peace process’.
“If the Pakistani government is sincere towards the peace process in Afghanistan and wants to extend practical support, then it should immediately release all Afghan Taliban leaders who have been arrested by Pakistani officials over the past few years and are still languishing in Pakistani jails,” the Afghan Foreign Ministry said. The statement added that the release of the Taliban detainees will pave the way for talks with them.
Pakistan has freed nearly 26 Taliban prisoners over the last eight years. The process was stopped following tensions between the two countries.
‘Ending drones priority’
The foreign ministry spokesman said the new government informed the US administration that it will not accept drone strikes in the tribal areas.
“This matter is receiving the priority attention of the government. On the instructions of the prime minister, the matter has been taken up with the US at a high level. The prime minister has articulated our position on this in clear terms,” he said.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 21st, 2013.
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talking like a diplomat of a responsible country...............good
@Sonya: "It looks like that India’s stance on peace talks is again winning" -- In their dreams...
Pakistan is showing maturity. Nawaz Sharif has become a wise and able leader. He is providing a proper direction. This is a very good sign.
It looks like that India's stance on peace talks is again winning.....