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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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Ministry of commerce meets with Chinese and American investors

The ministry of commerce and industry said on Wednesday a meeting was held with Chinese and American investors, where the process of investing in Afghanistan was explained to them.
“General security is provided in Afghanistan and investors can invest in this country with ease,” said Sibghatullah Akhundzada, head of investment at the ministry.
The ministry said a presentation was delivered by the ministry’s department of investment on investing in the country, which detailed opportunities available.
The ministry said questions were asked by the Chinese and American investors, who showed an interest in investing in the energy, mining and construction sectors.
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Afghan family claim son held in Guantanamo Bay for past 17 years

A family in Kabul claims that a relative of theirs has been held prisoner in Guantanamo Bay for 17 years.
Members of the family say his name is Mohammad Rahim.
They have called on the Islamic Emirate to enter into negotiations with America for the release of Rahim.
Safura Bibi, the mother of Rahim, claims her son was arrested seventeen years ago in the city of Lahore in Pakistan and transferred to Guantanamo.
According to Rahim’s mother he was selling honey at the time and was taking religious classes when arrested.
This mother blames Pakistan for her son’s arrest.
She says she is in contact with her son through the Red Cross and sometimes gets letters from him.
Other members of the family claim Rahim worked in the anti-narcotics department during the first round of the Islamic Emirate government and is currently the last Afghan prisoner in Guantanamo Bay.
The family want the US to release him.
The family also ask the Islamic Emirate to work to secure his release.
The Islamic Emirate says it is following up on the issue and has raised this in meetings they have had with the Americans.
Mohammad Dawood; the younger son of Mohammad Rahim, who was two years old at the time of his father’s arrest says he hopes to see his father again.
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Kyrgyzstan calls on Central Asian states to strengthen cooperation on Afghanistan

Kyrgyzstan’s Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubaev on Tuesday called on Central Asian nations to strengthen cooperation and coordination with regards to Afghanistan.
Speaking at the 13th Annual Meeting of Deputy Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Central Asian states, Kulubaev said that the establishment of peace and stability in Afghanistan plays an important role in ensuring regional security and prosperity.
He expressed support for the activities of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan and thanked the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Afghanistan Roza Otunbayeva for her work within the framework of the UNAMA mandate, Kyrgyzstan’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Roza Otunbayeva also attended the two-day meeting in Bishkek which ended on Tuesday.
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