Taliban ready for intra-Afghan talks if peace deal provisions implemented: Shaheen

(MENAFN- Khaama Press) The political office of the Taliban group in Qatar has announced that the group is prepared for intra-Afghan talks provided that the provisions of the agreements are implemented.

In an online statement posted on Friday, Shaheen said the Taliban group is prepared to participate in intra-Afghan talks on 10th of March.

"If the provisions of the agreements are implemented and prisoners are released, the Islamic Emirate is prepared for intra-Afghan negotiations on March 10," Shaheen said in a Twitter post.

Shaheen further added "Our negotiation team and agenda are ready and will go ahead as agreed."

However, he said "If the negotiations are delayed beyond the stated date, the responsibility will rest with the others."

This comes as the U.S. and Taliban group recently signed a peace deal after observing a 7-day reduction in violence. The two sides signed the agreement after almost 18 months of negotiations in Qatari capital of Doha.

The release of 5,000 Taliban prisoners was reportedly included in the agreement as a prerequisite for the launch of intra-Afghan talks.

However, President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani said only the Afghan government can decide regarding the release of Taliban prisoners.

Reacting to release of Taliban prisoners ahead of intra-Afghan talks, Ghani said last week the release of Taliban militants should not be included as a prerequisite for the launch of intra-Afghan talks.

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