KABUL - Afghan Ambassador to Pakistan Dr. Omar Zakhilwal believes peace alone can pave the ground for foreign troops’ withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Zakhilwal made the remarks on Sunday in reaction to the removal of Gulbadin Hekmatyar, leader of the Hezb-i-Islami Afghanistan (HIA), from the United Nation Security Council (UNSC) blacklist.
“On February 3, the Security Council Committee, pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015), removed his name from the ISIL (Daesh) and Al-Qaida sanctions list,” a statement from the UN body said.
Zakhilwal, also a special presidential envoy to the neighbouring country, welcomed the dropping of sanctions against the former prime minister in response to the Afghan government’s request.
He said the deal with HIA highlighted some key points, including the Afghanistan government’s political will for peace and full political and public support for reconciliation efforts.
“The anti-government insurgents also have willingness for peace, so we should be optimistic of peace efforts,” remarked the diplomat, who called for intra-Afghan negotiations, as the international community merely supported final results and agreements.
There were no losers or winners in the peace dialogue, he said, adding both sides were winners. The biggest excuse of insurgents was the pullout of foreign forces, he continued, arguing peace would pave the ground for it.
He asked other anti-government insurgents to consider the above points, and realise the worn-torn nation’s desire. (Pajhwok)