KABUL - Participants of the Moscow conference on Afghanistan peace on the day two Wednesday called the gathering as ‘constructive’ and expressed hope for a fruitful outcome.
The conference that kicked off a day earlier in Moscow and resumed on Wednesday is aimed at discussing peace and reconciliation in the war-torn country.
A joint delegation of representatives of political parties led by ex-president Hamid Karzai is attending the talks in the Russian capital.
On Tuesday, Taliban chief peace negotiator Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai said the current Afghanistan’s constitution was not ‘valid’ and they wanted an Islamic constitution and ‘an inclusive Islamic government system.’
Speaking at a gathering with senior Afghan politicians, the Taliban representative stressed the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan.
Stanikzai said the insurgents did not want a "monopoly of power" but "an inclusive Islamic system”. He said a formal Taliban office in Afghanistan and a credible guarantee for peace was vital.
About women’s rights, Stanikzai said Islam gave all basic rights to women such as their participation in business, property ownership, inheritance, education, work, security, health and having a good life.
Mohammad Younis Qanoni, who is contesting the July presidential election as first vice-presidential candidate of presidential hopeful Mohammad Hanif Atamr, hoped the meeting would yield a positive outcome.
He supported reforms in Afghanistan’s judicial and justice organs but said having an Islamic republic was the Afghan nation’s demand, which should be supported.
Participants of the meeting shared their thoughts with media on Tuesday.
Ex-president Hamid Karzai told media persons that they had detailed discussions and all participants expressed their views about the peace process.
Karzai said the first day talks went satisfactory and more discussion would take place on Wednesday (today).
He also hoped the Afghan government and the Taliban would sit down to talk peace in future.
Stanikzai also termed the yesterday’ meeting as productive and friendly and hoped today’s meeting would also be concluded on a positive note and said such meetings should continue until the people of Afghanistan achieved lasting peace in their country.
He said, “I am hopeful about the outcome of our discussions. I hope we will have fruitful result because we had almost similar views during the discussion and this could be a clear example of optimism for future.”
Jamiat-i-Islami party chief executive and former Balkh governor Atta Mohammad Noor also expressed hope about positive outcome of the Moscow talks.
He said. “Our today meeting had two good points, first it was intra-Afghan meeting and secondly prominent figures sat face to face and had a great discussion, I am satisfied with the meeting.”
Former deputy chief executive officer Mohammad Mohaqiq also expressed similar views and said he also addressed the meeting.
He further said the Moscow meeting was portrayed good inside the country and people wildly supported the talks on social media.
Sayed Mansoor Nadari, a political expert and participant of the conference, said: “Besides other political figures, I also took part in the ongoing meeting and held detailed discussions with Taliban representative and I hope the countrymen would hear a positive result from our meeting.” (Pajhwok)