ISLAMABAD (PPA) – The United Nations and Turkish Government have welcomed the talks held in Murree and expressed hopes that the talks would “swiftly finalize the Peace and Reconciliation Process”.
A statement issued by Turkish Foreign Ministry on Friday (July 10, 2015) added that “In order to ensure the integrity of Afghanistan and establishment of its lasting internal peace, it is of vital importance to effectively conduct and swiftly finalize the Peace and Reconciliation Process which is a significant component of the political transition.”
The Turkish foreign minister statement also added that the initiative of taken for direct negotiations between Afghan Government and Taliban representatives, hosted by Pakistan are welcome.”
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and his Special Representative in Afghanistan Nicholas Haysom have welcomed direct talks held between Afghan Government and Taliban representatives in Islamabad, Pakistan – urging both parties to move towards reconciliation and peace.
Earlier the UN Press Office quoted Secretary General as saying “I welcome the direct face-to-face engagement by the parties as the only way to achieving progress towards a negotiated agreement and ultimately the peace that Afghanistan deserves.”
In a separate news release, Mr. Haysom, who is also head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) also welcomed direct talks and urged both parties to move towards reconciliation and peace.
Haysom in his statement said. “I welcome the direct face-to-face engagement by the parties as the only way to achieving progress towards a negotiated agreement and ultimately the peace that Afghanistan deserves.”
He also noted that talks should be recognized as the outcome of the recent concerted efforts at rebuilding relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan.-PPA