The Taliban’s deputy leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, at the Heart ofAsia Society’s 7th session on Thursday, said the group has the will tosolve Afghanistan’s conflict through negotiations.

He stated that the next political system of Afghanistan should be aninclusive and an Islamic system.

“(The Taliban) for its part is fully prepared and committed to resolvingthe issues through negotiations,” said Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, deputyleader of the Taliban.

He said that the next political system will also ensure the protection ofpublic utility infrastructures, women’s rights, media rights, andAfghanistan’s bilateral relations with all other nations in line with theIslamic principles.

Meanwhile, the peace negotiating team representing the Islamic Republic ofAfghanistan in talks with the Taliban said that a ceasefire will be therepublic team’s utmost priority in the ongoing talks with the Taliban inDoha.

Baradar also said that the next political system will fight drug smugglingand production, will maintain good ties with neighbors and will seekinternational assistance for Afghanistan in line with the Islamic laws.

Nevertheless, NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said that Afghanistan has ahistoric opportunity for peace today and that the alliance fully supportsAfghanistan’s people in their strides for peace.

“Afghanistan now faces a historic opportunity for peace and NATO stronglysupports the Afghan peace process. In the coming months, we will facedifficult decisions about our future positions in the country,” saidStoltenberg.

However, the Afghan government has said that the protection of the republicsystem, the Constitution of Afghanistan, and the gains the country has madeover the past two decades are a key part of the negotiations.

“It is (ceasefire) the demand of the Afghan people. The resolution of theconsultative Loya Jirga clearly states that protection of the republic andits continuation is important,” said Dawa Khan Menapal, a deputy spokesmanto President Ashraf Ghani.