UN calls for consensus on govt-Taliban talks

KABUL (Pajhwok): The United Nations on Tuesday acknowledged intensified efforts were underway to bring the insurgents to the negotiations table, suggesting the process should go ahead in consultation with the people.

Tadamichi Yamamoto, the UN deputy special representative, made the remarks during a meeting with Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Abdullah Abdullah at the Sapidar Palace in Kabul.

The dignitaries spoke on a range of issues including Abdullah’s upcoming visit to the United States along with President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, the need for electoral reforms and the renewed peace campaign.

Yamamoto insisted on a general consensus between the people and government on peace efforts. “The process should go ahead with the general agreement of the people and the government.”

He underlined the need for reforms in the electoral panels, calling them vital to restoring public trust in poll result and strengthening democracy.

Abdullah said his upcoming visit to the US was important for the long-term security and economic prosperity of Afghanistan. Efforts were ongoing to bring reforms to the electoral commissions.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) spokesman said President Ghani and Saudi officials had agreed on economic, security and cultural cooperation.

Ahmad Shakib Mustaghni told journalists the two nations had agreed on developing a framework for coordination in this regard.

All ministries’ spokespersons had been directed not to comment on the peace process, he added. Only spokespersons for the president and the High Peace Council are authorised to speak on the issue.

hg/mud

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