Taliban safe havens across the border no longer safe: Mohib

WASHINGTON (Pajhwok): The death of Taliban Mansour, an impediment to peace, has created a sense of confidence and hope among Afghans that terrorist sanctuaries across the border are not safe, the Afghan ambassador to the US says.

“We welcome President Obama’s decision and his bold action to eliminate a person who was preventing other Taliban elements and the calls from government for peace,” Hamdullah Mohib said.

During an appearance before the World Affairs Council of Washington DC, Mohib made the remarks while responding to questions on the death of Mullah Mansour in a US drone strike over the weekend.

“It is just not about that action. It gives the Afghan people hope that our most important partner — the United States — is serious about peace in Afghanistan. It also creates an opportunity for us to be able to build on that and invite those who are leaning towards peace and perhaps prevented from,” he added.

“Speculation is difficult. But it has created an opportunity, a sense if hope that the sanctuaries that were provided to the Taliban are no longer safe and they would be eliminated — no matter where they are. And that is a very important step for Afghanistan,” he observed.

Afghanistan had extended the hand of piece once again to all those Taliban who might want to take this opportunity and join the Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process, the diplomat explained.

The ambassador promised the Afghan government would not make compromise on the constitution during the peace process. Kabul’s stance had been clear right from the beginning, he insisted.

Mohib said the peace process was aimed to provide an opportunity for those who might have legitimate grievances and willingness to talk. The government would be open to negotiate peace with them, but not at the expense of the progress Afghanistan had made, he concluded.

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