Hizb-e-Islami Afghanistan (HIA) which is one of the largest groups fighting the government has announced support to the peace process but says talks should take place inside Afghanistan.
“Hizb-e-Islami favours Afghan-led and Afghan-owned talks as we have always argued that war is no solution to the problem,” said Ghairat Baheer who heads the political commission of Hizb-e-Islamic under the leadership of Gulbuddin Hekmatyar.
In an interview with Pakistan’s The Express Tribune newspaper, Baheer has warned that no group should be left out of the peace process.
“We have already floated comprehensive proposals for ending the conflict. We want all-inclusive talks to be held in Afghanistan to make them Afghan-owned in real sense of the word,” said Baheer whose party was left out of the first round of talks.
Baheer added that HIA chief Engineer Gulbudin Hikmatyar has always backed ‘meaningful negotiations’ and expressed willingness to join an intra-Afghan dialogue. “We want the agenda for the dialogue process should be transparent. Talks should be based on ground realities and without any intervention.”
When asked when Hikmatyar would make a public appearance, Baheer chose to avoid a direct reply. “Hikmatyar will play an active part in politics if the situation becomes suitable,” he said. “Hikmatyar is ready and determined to join politics.”
Hikmatyar has not been publically seen following the collapse of Taliban government in 2001. He has been releasing video and audio statements and conveying his messages to media through Baheer.
HIA has also carried out some deadly attacks in Afghanistan including some in capital Kabul.http://www.khaama.com/hizb-e-islami-favours-peace-talks-inside-afghanistan-4457
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