March 10, 2021
While the US is making efforts to accelerate Afghanistan’s reconciliation process, officials confirmed on Tuesday March 9, 2021 that Russia is planning to host a meeting on the Afghan peace process within the next 9 days and all key political leaders will be invited for the event.
Mr. Fraidoon Khwazoon, the reconciliation council’s spokesperson said that politicians from Afghanistan, including President Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah, the chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation, along with foreign envoys and the Taliban front runners, are anticipated to attend the meeting in Moscow on March 18 to discuss the Afghan peace process.
He stated that “A conference will be held. Some figures have been invited. The reconciliation council chairman has also been invited, however, The High Council for National Reconciliation is consulting on the meeting and will decide whether to participate in the conference or not.” He further added that “Russia has an important role in the Afghan peace process.”
According to sources, the purpose of the meeting is to expedite Afghanistan’s peace talks in Doha to put an end to the Afghan conflict hence the meeting has been coordinated with the United States and envoys from China, US and Pakistan will attend the meeting. However, the president’s office hasn’t commented on the meeting yet.
The meeting came up after the as the US proposed a United Nations-led conference in Turkey on Afghanistan’s peace expected on March 27, 2021.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken wrote a letter to President Ashraf Ghani suggesting the Afghan government ways to accelerate the peace process, including convening a UN-facilitated conference with international stakeholders, proposals to facilitate discussion between the two sides to form a negotiated settlement and ceasefire, a meeting in Turkey between both sides to finalize a peace agreement, and a revised proposal for a 90-day reduction in violence.
Along with these proposals, Blinken clarified that the United States is considering all options regarding Afghanistan, including the May 1st deadline for full withdrawal. He further wrote that even with the continuation of the US financial assistance to Afghan forces after an American withdrawal, US is “concerned that the security situation will worsen, and that the Taliban could make rapid territorial gains”, so the Afghan government should urgently make efforts to work on the suggestions outlined in the letter.
© Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) and Afghan Studies Center (ASC), Islamabad.
