The Taliban’s deputy leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, at the Heart of Asia Society’s 7th session on Thursday, said the group has the will to solve Afghanistan's conflict through negotiations.
He stated that the next political system of Afghanistan should be an inclusive and an Islamic system.
“(The Taliban) for its part is fully prepared and committed to resolving the issues through negotiations,” said Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, deputy leader of the Taliban.
He said that the next political system will also ensure the protection of public utility infrastructures, women’s rights, media rights, and Afghanistan’s bilateral relations with all other nations in line with the Islamic principles.
Meanwhile, the peace negotiating team representing the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in talks with the Taliban said that a ceasefire will be the republic team’s utmost priority in the ongoing talks with the Taliban in Doha.
Baradar also said that the next political system will fight drug smuggling and production, will maintain good ties with neighbors and will seek international assistance for Afghanistan in line with the Islamic laws.
Nevertheless, NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said that Afghanistan has a historic opportunity for peace today and that the alliance fully supports Afghanistan’s people in their strides for peace.
“Afghanistan now faces a historic opportunity for peace and NATO strongly supports the Afghan peace process. In the coming months, we will face difficult decisions about our future positions in the country,” said Stoltenberg.
However, the Afghan government has said that the protection of the republic system, the Constitution of Afghanistan, and the gains the country has made over the past two decades are a key part of the negotiations.
“It is (ceasefire) the demand of the Afghan people. The resolution of the consultative Loya Jirga clearly states that protection of the republic and its continuation is important,” said Dawa Khan Menapal, a deputy spokesman to President Ashraf Ghani.