KABUL - Some years ago, Taliban leader Mullah Hebatullah Akhundzada had sent a delegation to Helmand province for peace talks, but the president said the government was not ready, former chairman of High Peace Council, Karim Khalili, said on Sunday.
Speaking at a ceremony to mark Ashura, Khalili said that the peace council had sent a letter to Hebatullah who replied saying the group was ready to enter into peace talks.
He said that the president welcomed the development but said that they were not ready and that he needed three weeks.
He said that the president didn't give any other response even after the deadline.
Khalili said that another opportunity for peace has been created and it should not be missed.
President Ashraf Ghani in a decree on Saturday appointed members of High Council for National Reconciliation, including his predecessor Hamid Karzai, but he refuses to act as one. (1TV NEWS)