No change in policy: Afghan Taliban reject Dubai peace initiative

Say Agha Jan Mutasim not given responsible position in the faction.

ISLAMABAD:

The Afghan Taliban on Wednesday condemned a nascent peace initiative launched by one of their Dubai-based leaders as ‘anti-jihad and a move to favour the US and its puppets’.

President Hamid Karzai had welcomed the peace initiative by Agha Jan Mutasim, a former Taliban cabinet minister and a close aide of Mullah Omar, and had described the move as a good omen.

However, the Taliban disowned the Dubai initiative and said that they have nominated specific negotiators and have a political office in Qatar.

“The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan reiterates to all stakeholders that it has neither entrusted Agha Jan Mutasim with a responsible position nor can he represent it,” said Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid in a statement emailed to the media.

“The Islamic Emirate considers [Mutasim’s] current activities and actions against the principles of sacred jihad as they are benefiting only the invading Americans along with their servants,” he added.

Mujahid said that there has not been any meeting in Dubai of the Afghan Taliban or on its behalf, nor has it been in contact with the Kabul government or the High Peace Council.

“The Islamic Emirate has it’s special political presence in Qatar and has appointed specific people to conduct negotiations with the permission of its leadership.”

The spokesman said that all contacts and dialogue would be held under the leadership of the Taliban and on the basis of jihad’s requirements.

Last week, Mutasim announced an interest in intra-Afghan dialogue, stating that the Afghan Taliban were ready to talk to the Karzai administration.

“If America and its allies have attached any hopes to these fake, meaningless gatherings and agreements, it will only divert the people’s attention from real problems,” the Taliban spokesman said.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 20^th, 2014.