Gov’t obliged to guarantee impunity of Hekmatyar

Afghanistan signed a draft agreement with the Hezb-e-Islami militant group on Wednesday that the government hopes could lead to a full peace accord with one of the most notorious warlords in the insurgency.

The draft agreement indicates that the National Unity Government (NUG) is obliged to guarantee the impunity of Gulbuddin Hekmatyar and other members of his group.

The Afghan government should to prepare two or three places for Hekmatyar’s living in Afghanistan and provide his security and the cost of his living.

Under the draft, members of Hezb-e-Islami would be offered an amnesty, similar to that offered in 2007 to warlords accused of war crimes, as well as a release of prisoners held by Afghan authorities.

The government would also work to have the group removed from a U.N. blacklist.

Hezb-e-Islami led by Gulbuddin Hekmatyar has played only a minor role in the Taliban-led insurgency in recent years and the deal is unlikely to have any immediate practical impact on security.

In the meantime, Afghanistan Presidential Palace considers the draft agreement beneficial.

“Agreement with Hezb-e Islami showed that negotiations can be more effective in gaining peace in Afghanistan,” Shah Hussain Murtazawi, President’s deputy spokesman said.

The Hezb-e Islami group, which for years had close ties with Pakistan, would not join the government but would be recognized as a political party and be involved in major political decisions.