Karzai throws his weight behind government’s peace plan

Monitoring Desk

KABUL: Former president Hamid Karzai has declared his support for the Afghan government’s plan of reconciliation with the Taliban, calling the plan as practical.

On Wednesday, the national unity government asserted it desire to strike a “truthful and sustainable peace deal” with the Taliban who are ready for reconciliation.

A statement from the ex-president’s office said Karzai commended the unity government’s efforts and strongly supported the government proposal to the Taliban group.

Karzai asked the Taliban to embrace peace and arrive at talks with the government instead of the US and put an end to the conflict which was victimizing the Afghans.

He added the Afghans were victim of foreign plots over the 40 years. More than 10,000 civilians were killed in 2017 alone, according to a UN survey.

“We should be united against foreign plots and rescue our damaged country from the war and insecurity.”

Karzai said direct talks with the Taliban were the most visible way to end the conflict. The former president hoped war, suicide attacks and killings would be ceased in the country with reconciliation which needed one voice and unity of the Afghans.