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Lack of consensus on Afghan agenda for Istanbul Summit emerges

Afghan politicians say Afghanistan as a whole, and government, has not yet settled on a single agenda to be presented at the Istanbul Summit scheduled for early April.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it is working on a plan to reduce violence and end the war – a plan that will be presented to delegates at the summit.
However, the High Caouncil for National Reconciliation says it will vote on the proposed US government peace plan, which includes a transitional government.
The House of Representatives, Gulbuddin Hekmatyar’s Hizb-e-Islami party and a number of political figures will also present their ideas at the summit.
“We call on the Turkish Conference [delegates] to help bring an end to hostilities and stop the bloodshed as soon as possible [in order to pave the way] for successful negotiations for a political agreement; thus the region and the international community [show] support for a dignified and lasting peace,” said Afghan Foreign Minister Haneef Atmar.
Previously the High Council for National Reconciliation said the Turkish government had spoken to Afghan political figures and the Taliban about the talks. But the HCNR said the proposed US peace plan will be discussed.
“The US government’s plan which was shared with the Taliban, the High Council for National Reconciliation and the Presidential Palace will be discussed,” said Din Mohammad, HCNR deputy head.
While the Taliban welcomed the US proposal to hold the Istanbul Summit, the group said it has no specific plans to put to delegates.
“We accept any country that cooperates for the freedom and independence of Afghanistan, but we do not know when this meeting will take place and with what agenda,” said Mohammad Naeem, the Taliban’s spokesman.
However, differing opinions and a lack of consensus among Afghan officials and politicians have raised concerns in Kabul.
“The two sides that are participating at the Istanbul summit are the Taliban, who once flogged people, and the other side are politicians who have been busy exploiting [the people] for the past 20 years,” said Halima Sadaf Karimi, an MP.
While the exact date for the summit has not yet been announced, the HCNR said on Wednesday it will probably be held in the second week of April.
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Pakistan: Afghanistan’s India ties a bilateral issue, but its soil must not be used against us

Following first phone call between foreign ministers of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) and India, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said on Friday that Islamabad refrains from commenting on the bilateral relations of other states.
“Afghanistan is a sovereign, independent country. We do not comment on what kind of relations it wants to pursue with other countries. It is Afghanistan’s sovereign right,” the spokesperson said in a press conference.
However, the spokesperson emphasized that regardless of the nature of Afghanistan’s relations with any third country, Pakistan expects IEA to ensure that Afghanistan’s soil is not used against Pakistan.
Last Thursday, for the first time, Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar held phone talks with IEA’s Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.
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Afghan justice minister to attend 13th St. Petersburg International Legal Forum

Acting Justice Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), Abdul Hakim Sharei, left for Russia on Saturday to participate in the 13th St. Petersburg International Legal Forum.
The three-day conference will kick off on coming Monday and will be attended by ministers of justice, judicial officials and legal experts from various countries.
Acting Minister of Justice of the Islamic Emirate will deliver a speech on the nature of laws, the need for reforms in international law, ensuring justice and the role of the Islamic Emirate in international relations, the Ministry of Justice said in a statement.
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Acting FM Muttaqi departs for Iran to attend Tehran Dialogue Forum

Acting Foreign Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) Amir Khan Muttaqi on Saturday left Kabul for Iran to attend Tehran Dialogue Forum.
Hafiz Zia Ahmad, deputy spokesman for the foreign ministry, said that the delegation accompanying Muttaqi also includes Abdul Latif Nazari, deputy minister of economy.
In addition to participating in the Tehran Dialogue Forum, Muttaqi is scheduled to meet with his Iranian counterpart and other high-ranking officials to discuss bilateral relations.
Tehran Dialogue Forum will be held on May 17-19.
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