Kabul Process: Abdullah Reiterates Gov’t’s Peace Plan in Closing Remarks

Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah has stressed on the president’s earlier statement that government is ready to hold peace talks with the Taliban without preconditions.

In his closing remarks at Kabul Process II conference on Wednesday, Abdullah said:“We are ready to talk directly, without conditions or threat of violence. Our message is unambiguous.”

“We are committed to talking and engaging the Taliban on the basis of a realistic reconciliation program that addresses issues that divide us or are cause for armed conflict,” he said.

He stated that the government is the front-line, fighting multiple shades of terrorist organizations that aim to “destabilize” Afghanistan and use the country as a “launching pad” against others.

In a message to neighboring countries, Abdullah said: “To our friends and neighbors in the region, we say: We have no option but to work together, share intelligence, coordinate and, when necessary, take action against terrorists regardless of their affiliation or motivations.”

Abdullah also stated that the government appreciates international condemnations when innocent lives are lost by terrorism and violence in his country. However, he said condemnations are not enough.

“We also need to make better use of international law and humanitarian norms to prosecute & bring culprits – whoever they may be – to justice,” he said.

In conclusion, he said the Kabul Process aims to achieve several vital objectives: respect and defend the fundamental rights of our people, including women and children, while government provides a platform for the renunciation of violence and denounciation of international terrorism.

“The government’s job is to manage this process through national, regional and international efforts. We welcome your endorsement as we collectively take action to meet our objectives as soon as possible.”