Initial round of intra-Afghan talks conclude in Tehran

The initial round of intra-Afghan talks held in the Iranian capital of Tehran, between the heads of delegations representing the Taliban group and Afghanistan, has concluded on Friday.

Hyderabad:The first round of intra-Afghan talks between the heads of delegations representing the Taliban group and prominent figures backing the Republic system in Afghanistan concluded in Tehran, with a speech by Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, which included a 6-article communique. The talks were held at the Foreign Ministry's Institute for Political and International Studies (IPIS). Following the talks, Foreign Minister Zarif thanked both delegations for having given priority to the peace, convenience and welfare of the Afghan people in their talks.

"Courage in peace is more important than courage in war because peace needs sacrifice and forgiveness, needs ignoring one's maximal demands, and paying attention to the other side's demands, especially in these talks where there is no other side, and both sides are brothers seeking peace and calm for the Afghan nation," Zarif said.

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The Iranian Foreign Minister said a nation that has been in pain and suffering for forty years has every right to be opposed to war. "What I ask of you, is that to use this opportunity and end the war in Afghanistan as soon as possible, and provide the Afghan people with the chance to develop. The Islamic Republic of Iran is always ready to facilitate your talks in any way you prefer," Zarif noted.

Before the Iranian Foreign Minister's speech after talks, Yunus Qanuni as the representative of the delegation supporting the Republic system and Abbas Stanikzai as the representative of the Taliban delegation expressed their views about the Tehran Summit. In their comments, the two representatives supported the other side's round-up of the peace talks.

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