Abdullah against releasing Taliban inmates

KABUL inmates from the country’s jails because it helped militants strengthen their ranks and such mistakes should not be repeated.

Abdullah expressed his concerns over former president Hamid Karzai’s performance in areas of anti-corruption, good governance and reforms during a meeting with Gen. Lloyd Austin, the commander of US Central Command and Kabul-based NATO commander Gen. John Campbell, according to a press release from the CEO’s office.

 “The previous government had no clear vision and a strong will to tackle corruption, and this had a negative impact on Afghanistan’s image on the international level. However, the unity government has a clear insight into the future,” Abdullah remarked.

Abdullah said peace talks with insurgents should be held from a position of strength. “We are opposed to any step that results into strengthening Taliban. We should learn from the past when Taliban prisoners returned to the battlefield following their releases and started fighting us again.”

Gen. Austin praised Abdullah for his efforts in formation of the unity government and said he was optimistic about a brighter future of Afghanistan, the statement said.

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