Intra-Afghan delegation discussed

Monitoring Desk

KABUL: The intra-Afghan delegation was one topic discussed by Zalmay Khalilzad, US special envoy to Afghanistan, when he met with CE Abdullah Abdullah after arriving in Kabul, said Abdullah’s office.

Khalilzad arrived in Kabul for the first time after the peace deal was signed between the US and Taliban in Doha, Qatar.

Abdullah’s office discussed the [peace] agreement, the intra-Afghan talks, trust-building between the parties and achieving lasting peace, the CE’s office said, adding that the Afghan presidential election was also discussed.

Meanwhile, some close figures to Abdullah said that they have “prepared a list of delegates for the negotiations team” to talk to the Taliban.

They added that the intra-Afghan talks will be “delayed if an inclusive delegation is not formed.”

“Ghani doesn’t have the credibility and legitimacy. He can’t build a consensus. He should introduce his representatives and all parties should introduce their representatives,” said AsadullahSaadati, a running mate of Abdullah in the presidential campaign.

SediqSediqqi, a spokesman for the Presidential Palace, said that they have talked to political parties and will soon announce a delegate team for negotiation.

“We have talked to them and received their advice. We will soon finalize the list,” said Sediqqi.

On the other hand, political parties said that all parties have not reached a political consensus over the delegation. “A lack of a shared viewpoint is our problem,” said Mohammad AlamIzadyar, deputy head of the Meshrano Jirga, the upper house of the Afghan parliament

“Progress has not been made about the formation of an inclusive delegation team,” said Abdullah Qarluq, deputy head of Jamiat-e-Islamiparty. Intra-Afghan talks should start in the next five days, based on the peace deal, which was signed between the Taliban and the US.(TOLOnews)