Afghan peace deal: Islamabad, Beijing ready to become ‘guarantors’

[Zarvan]

Officials say Pakistan has no problem in playing role beyond that of a facilitator. PHOTO: AFP

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China are ready to become ‘guarantors’ of a possible peace deal between the Afghan government and the Afghan Taliban, officials familiar with the development have said.

“We are ready to go the extra mile. We are even willing to become guarantors for any peace agreement,” said a senior Pakistani official, who requested not to be named because of sensitivity of the issue.

The official said Pakistan has been facilitating Afghan led and Afghan owned peace talks. “But if talks make progress and all sides agree, then Pakistan has no problem in playing its role beyond that of a facilitator,” he said.

Pakistan recently hosted the first-ever direct talks between the Afghan government and Taliban representatives at the popular tourist resort of Murree as part of its efforts to put an end to over a decade-old conflict in the war-torn country. Senior officials from Pakistan, China and the United States also attended the closed-door talks suggesting that the Murree process had the backing of all major international players.

During the talks, the Afghan side demanded immediate ceasefire from the Afghan Taliban. However, the Taliban reportedly agreed to cease fire if Islamabad and Beijing become ‘guarantors’ to ensure that a ‘United National Government’ will be formed in Afghanistan. Another official said China is also ready to provide guarantees if all the negotiating parties accept this arrangement. Following the Murree talks, China had hinted at playing a more proactive role in brokering a peace deal between the Afghan government and the Taliban.

A statement issued by the Chinese foreign ministry said Beijing was ready to work with relevant parties and play a constructive role in achieving broad and inclusive peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan.

The next round of talks is expected to take place in China later this month. As a result of forward movement in Murree talks, the next phase of negotiations will be led by the Afghan foreign minister.

The two sides are expected to discuss substantive issues in the next round as a result of the recent endorsement of the peace process by Afghan Taliban’s supreme leader Mullah Omar.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 22nd, 2015.
Afghan peace deal: Islamabad, Beijing ready to become ‘guarantors’ - The Express Tribune
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[Rank]

how dare....... Pakistan and China without Supa Powa approval India... damn.... meri sare investment war jayege **

 

[Zarvan]

how dare....... Pakistan and China without Supa Powa approval India... damn.... meri sare investment war jayege **

Their investment is already gone in fact evaporated we played our cards well. Indian now just can look with horror all its games soon will be buried inside Afghanistan. The most famous graveyard of conquerors.

 

[Infinity]

Their investment is already gone in fact evaporated we played our cards well. Indian now just can look with horror all its games soon will be buried inside Afghanistan. The most famous graveyard of conquerors.

Its Poor Thinking ........................that world will go your way........................

 

[chhota bheem]

some never learn,doing the samething agn and agn and expecting a different outcome

 

[Pulsar]

Their investment is already gone in fact evaporated we played our cards well. Indian now just can look with horror all its games soon will be buried inside Afghanistan. The most famous graveyard of conquerors.

Relax dude! Things are only going to get worse in Afghanistan!

So don't count your chickens before they hatch!

 

[WAJsal]

Good to see China and Pakistan collaborating to end this mess. Time to make this region peaceful.

 

[Meengla]

Relax dude! Things are only going to get worse in Afghanistan!

Perhaps you are right. But I don't certainly see India gaining anymore ground. Uncle Sam, Pakistan and China as the facilitators in the talks sounds like a real deal-- deal in which Pakistan is not going to give an inch to India. No "wishful thinking" on my part is needed in that argument.

The way I see it, all the Afghan war lords are interested is power. And if they can be assured sharing of some power--or at least a promise to not be hanged like Najibullah--then would cut India off in a heart beat.

Also, as much as I intensely dislike what the Talibans represent I don't foresee their coming to power can be worse for Pakistan than the Karzai-presidency era for Pakistan.

Perhaps things are gelling down things like: The War Machine in America has made enough profits--plus there is a war fatigue. The Talibans have been made to realize that they are not that powerful without external help. The ruling war lords of Afghanistan know that, while Talibans may not topple them but, sans America, the war lords will be severely stressed. Add-in China's trade interests, Russia's outreach to Pakistan...

 

[Sipahi]

If Pakistan only export Burnol to India, I am damn sure we will meet our Export targets

 

[Kompromat]

Just making it fool proof, if India screws with Murree process, it directly screws with Pakistan, China, Afghanistan and NATO.

 

[Musafir117]

Butt hurt time for " Tu kon mein Khamkawa " the next talk will held in China later this month btw how it's work " United National Government " ? Is Pakistani Government also bargaining for Mulla Radio and group?

 

[Pulsar]

Perhaps you are right. But I don't certainly see India gaining anymore ground. Uncle Sam, Pakistan and China as the facilitators in the talks sounds like a real deal-- deal in which Pakistan is not going to give an inch to India. No "wishful thinking" on my part is needed in that argument.

Pakistan is not going to give an inch to India?? Man, you're living in a world of delusions! Who by the way is Pakistan to decide the relationship between India and Afghanistan, two sovereign nations? Is Afghanistan a province of Pakistan? Is it going to be controlled by the PA/ISI?

Try controlling Karachi first before trying to do so in Afghanistan!!

 

[tarrar]

Mean while India is crying because of this on going peace talks. I can already some effects here.