Stanekzai says rush in peace process should not jeopardize interests of Afghans

Masoom Stanekzai, chief negotiator of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan said on Friday that rushing in the peace process should not jeopardize the interests of the Afghan people.

Speaking in a virtual meeting with representatives of social activists and civil society organizations from 34 provinces Stanekzai, said that a national, regional and international consensus has been reached on the Afghanistan peace process, he said that the basis of national institutions should also be strengthened in the peace process.

“The peace process should be accelerated, but stressed that rushing in this process should not jeopardize the interests of the Afghan people,” said Stanekzai.

Meanwhile, representatives of 34 provinces also shared their views and questions with the negotiation team members in Doha.

Participants’ suggestions focused on the escalation of violence, the causes of stagnation in the peace process, the reasons for the Taliban’s absence from the negotiation table, the protection of the rights of citizens, especially women, and the achievements of previous years in all areas and next steps.

In the other hand, Stanekzai told the participants that the level of views and questions raised at the meeting showed that the Afghan people are dealing responsibly with the peace process and pay attention to all aspects of the process.

“Both negotiation parties should be accountable to the Afghan people,” Stanekzai added.

This comes as the government and the Taliban peace negotiating teams have not held any formal meetings in the last 19 days.