KABUL - The confusion and debate over Taliban's office in Qatar seems far from coming to an end, as President Hamid Karzai in a recent radio speech on Thursday night said that opening of the office in Qatar for peace talks was a conspiracy and Afghan government was successful in thwarting it.
President Karzai asserted that Afghanistan will continue its peace process until sustainable peace is ensured in Afghanistan and will never allow any foreign element divide the country for their selfish goals.
"The US and Afghan government agreed to open the Taliban's office in Qatar office but when the office was inaugurated, it was in contradiction to our agreement. We raised our voice against the violation and neutralized this anti-Afghan conspiracy," said Karzai.
President Karzai added that Kabul and Washington had agreed to let the High Peace Council and Taliban representatives discuss the opening of office in Qatar. Unfortunately, when the office was inaugurated it was in violation of the agreement between the two governments.
Through his radio speech, President Karzai once again called the Taliban as his "brothers" and urged them to join the peace process and help build a peaceful Afghanistan.
President Karzai said, "I consider the Taliban as my brothers, especially those who are patriots and love their homeland (Afghanistan). Recent developments indicate that foreign elements are awaiting an opportunity to misuse the peace process for their selfish goals and destroy Afghanistan. Hence, I urge you (Taliban) to participate in the peace process and bring peace into Afghanistan."
Two weeks ago, the Qatar office was inaugurated in presence of the Taliban representatives but hoisting of Taliban's flag and putting-up the nameplate of "Islamic Emirates" angered Afghan government. As a result, Afghan government decided to delay the talks about signing the Bilateral Security Agreement with the US.
After the government of Afghanistan reacted strongly, the Taliban flag and nameplate were taken down. However, the government has not sent any of its representatives to Qatar until now; and the Taliban has also refrained from responding. Meanwhile, the US officials have said that if the Taliban does not respond or show its willingness to participate in the peace process then the Qatar office will be shut. (Tolo News)