All-inclusive talks must for peace, says Sartaj Aziz

Assures United Nations envoy of Islamabad’s commitment

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz on Friday said only an “all inclusive” political dialogue in Afghanistan could pave the way for enduring peace and stability in the war-ravaged country.

Speaking with UN Secretary General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan Nicholas Hayson, he said the international community desired the early resumption of the stalled peace process and Pakistan supported the idea.



“In Pakistan’s view this is the best course of action,” Sartaj told the UN envoy, who had called on him at the Foreign Office.

A press release quoted the adviser as saying that Pakistan would facilitate the resumption of peace process if approached by the Afghan government.

The Foreign Office said Sartaj and the UN envoy also reviewed the emerging political and security dynamics and international efforts for peace and stability in Afghanistan. The foreign affairs adviser said Pakistan wished to “constructively and meaningfully” engage with Afghanistan in all spheres of bilateral relations.



He reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to work with international community for peace, stability and development of Afghanistan.

He claimed the upcoming ministerial conference of Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process in Islamabad would contribute significantly towards
this goal.



Meanwhile, Haysom appreciated Pakistan’s contribution towards peace and development in Afghanistan and lauded the country’s role in launching the much-needed Afghan reconciliation process.



He seconded Sartaj that intra-Afghan peace dialogue would require strong regional backing and was hopeful that Islamabad would continue to play its facilitative role.

The two sides also discussed repatriation of Afghan refugees from Pakistan and their sustainable reintegration in Afghanistan.

Sartaj urged the UNHCR must step up its efforts to mobilise international support to develop the capacity of Afghan government for sustainable integration of the returning refugees.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 14^th, 2015.