Top US General urges Afghan gov’t, Taliban finish prisoner releases process

The level of violence is still high and the Taliban are attacking large parts of Afghanistan, and this challenge will be resolved through the exchange of prisoners and the start of Intra-Afghan negotiations, said Gen. Kenneth McKenzie, a US top military official.

The United States calls on the Afghan government and the Taliban to end the exchange of prisoners on both sides and to resume peace talks between Afghans as soon as possible. US national radio reports that after meeting with Afghan leaders, General Mackenzie stressed the need to end the prisoner exchange process quickly and reduce violence.

“I think this path is still the only way to get to a negotiated peace and end the situation there. I believe that the government of Afghanistan is trying to do everything it can to get ready to conduct Intra-Afghan dialogue direct negotiations with the Taliban. The Afghan government has committed to releasing 5,000 prisoners, and they are in the process of doing that now. They need to finish that release. That will be an important step,” said Gen. Kenneth McKenzie, the commander of the United States Central Command.

But the Taliban are pushing for the release of the remaining prisoners, and have reportedly stepped up their attacks on security checkpoints for this reason.

The Office of the National Security Council and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had spoken of the high crime rate of these 600 prisoners compared to another 4,400, but people believe that these actions take the opportunity to start peace talks.

The government’s Ministry of Peace says the release of Taliban prisoners is carried out by the government in accordance with the country’s constitution and international standards.