WASHINGTON: The United States on Friday described the agreement between Afghan government and Hezb-i-Islami as an important step towards restoring peace and stability in Afghanistan.

The Afghan government on Thursday signed a peace agreement with the Islamist group, headed by Gulbadin Hekmatyar. The pact paves the way for Hekmatyar, who spent decades fighting successive governments in Kabul, to return to the political mainstream.

“The United States welcomes the peace agreement negotiated and… we applaud both parties for seeking a peaceful resolution through political dialogue and negotiation,” said Ned Price, a spokesperson for the White House National Security Council.

“We commend the agreement as an important demonstration of the Afghan government’s commitment to restoring peace and stability in Afghanistan.”

The United States once considered Hekmatyar a dangerous warlord.

But this is the second time that the US has welcomed him into the political mainstream. In 1985, the-then US president Ronald Reagan hosted Hekmatyar, then a key mujahideen leader, at the White House.

“The United States continues to support an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned peace process in which armed groups cease violence, break ties with international terrorist groups, and accept the [Afghan] constitution, including protections for women and minorities,” the White House official said.

The 25-point agreement binds the opposition party to taking immediate steps “to end war permanently” and for restoring a sustainable peace and security in Afghanistan.

Published in Dawn September 24th, 2016

Opinion

Editorial

Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...
Islamabad protest
Updated 20 Nov, 2024

Islamabad protest

As Nov 24 draws nearer, both the PTI and the Islamabad administration must remain wary and keep within the limits of reason and the law.
PIA uncertainty
20 Nov, 2024

PIA uncertainty

THE failed attempt to privatise the national flag carrier late last month has led to a fierce debate around the...
T20 disappointment
20 Nov, 2024

T20 disappointment

AFTER experiencing the historic high of the One-day International series triumph against Australia, Pakistan came...