MPs hopeful about 2nd round of peace talks

KABUL (Pajhwok): Some lawmakers on Wednesday said they were hopeful the second round of intra-Afghan talks would lead to agreement on ceasefire and an end to violence. The government-backed peace negotiation delegation reached Qatar on Tuesday to resume peace talks with the Taliban side after a three-week break.

Haji Mohammad Hashim, a member of the Wolesi Jirga, hoped the second round of talks would result into ending the violence and a lasting peace in Afghanistan. Another lawmaker DrHumayunShoaibzada said they supported the second round of talks and urged both sides to bring good news for Afghans. He said if the Taliban really wanted peace, they must agree to a ceasefire.

Lawmaker Abdul QayumSajjadi said the High Council for National Reconciliation and other politicians were in now the midst of ongoing peace talks but the parliament had been sidelined. According to him, the parliament also has the jurisdiction over the issue so it would be better to include the lower house in the process. Wolesi Jirga Speaker Mir RehmanRahmani said the start of the second round of talks in Doha was another chance for peace and both sides must be flexible and meet the demands of Afghan people of ceasefire and peace.