KABUL – President Ashraf Ghani releases dozens of Afghan Taliban inmatesfrom prisons, Afghan media had reported.

President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani has set free 35 Taliban inmates from theprison of the National Directorate of Security on the occasion of Eid,Khaama Press has reported.

The National Directorate of Security said in a statement that thedirectorate released 35 inmates based on a presidential decree which wasissued on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha.

The statement further added that the prisoners were released as a gestureof goodwill to help advance the reconciliation.

Furthermore, the statement stated that the government has always kept thedoor for negotiations open in a bid to maintain peace and ensure a lastingceasefire.

The National Directorate of Security also added that the release of theprisoners as a clear example of the government’s will regarding peace andend of the conflict.