ISLAMABAD, May 18 (NNN-APP) – Pakistan welcomed the signing of an agreement between political leaders in Afghanistan, to end a political deadlock, the Foreign Ministry of Pakistan said, Sunday night.
Afghan President, Mohammad Ashraf Ghani and his rival, Abdullah Abdullah, who also claimed victory in the presidential election, inked an agreement to end the political deadlock, following last year’s presidential election, Afghan presidential spokesman, Sediq Sediqqi said, on Twitter.
Abdullah will head the High Council for National Reconciliation, that will lead the peace process with the Taliban, according to media.
“At this critical juncture, it is vitally important that all Afghan leaders work together constructively, in the supreme interest of the Afghan people and help bring lasting peace and stability to the country, affected by decades of violence and conflict,” the Pakistani foreign ministry said, in a statement.
The statement said, the U.S.-Taliban peace agreement, signed in Feb, created a historic opportunity, which must be seized by all Afghan stakeholders to advance the goals of peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan.
“It is critical that the intra-Afghan negotiations commence at the earliest, culminating in a comprehensive and inclusive political settlement in Afghanistan,” the statement said, adding that, all Afghan parties must honour their respective commitments, work with perseverance and a sense of common purpose, and also guard against the machinations of any spoilers, from within and without.
Pakistan reiterated its commitment to continue to support a peaceful, stable, united, democratic and prosperous Afghanistan, at peace with itself and its neighbours, according to the statement.– NNN-APP
