Seeking ceasefire before talks ‘illogical’: Taliban

KABUL: The Taliban group on Sunday rejected the call for humanitarian ceasefire and reduction in violence in a bid to start the intra-Afghan talks. “If anyone seeks ceasefire before talks then such is illogical,” Taliban Spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said.

In a series of tweets, he said that war is raging precisely because we have yet to find an alternative.

Implementation of the Doha Agreement and start of intra-Afghan negotiations are necessary so we can work towards de-escalation and end of war, he added.

“If you don’t want war, then why create obstacles for negotiations? Let Afghans reach a resolution through a political understanding which is also the demand of both Afghans and the international community. Solution can’t be found in irrational remarks and baseless allegations,” he tweeted.

He added: The prisoner exchange process must be completed and intra-Afghan negotiations launched immediately. This is the most correct and reasonable path towards a resolution.

This is as President Ashraf Ghani and Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation, Abdullah Abdullah seemed to be in confrontation on Taliban prisoner releases. The National Security Council had earlier said that 600 Taliban prisoners, who are responsible for big crimes, would not be freed. The council demanded the militants to submit a new list of their members, who are not charged with big crimes.

But later on, Peace Chairman Abdullah suggested that prisoner release process should be completed to lay out intra-Afghan negotiations.

Source:http:afghanistantimes.af/