Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Larov has said Although the Doha process has not had a positive effect on peace in Afghanistan, we expect progress in it.
According to Afghan media, he was addressing the plenary session of the Russia-sponsored summit to further peace process in war torn country that began in the capital Moscow on Thursday.
“Unfortunately, the Doha process has not yielded positive results for peace and reconciliations in Afghanistan. We expect progress in the process. At the same, we see that the situation is deteriorating,” Larov said.
He expressed concern over the escalation of violence, saying it was harming civilians.
“We are particularly concerned about the fact that the clashes traditionally intensify in the spring and summer seasons. We see that both sides in the war also endangering the civilian population,” Larov added.
“In addition, elements such as ISIS are using the current situation to strengthen their positions.”
Lavrov emphasised that the Afghan peace agreement’s interests were to be taken into account by all parties: “This peace process must be led by the Afghans themselves. No external interference should be allowed. It can only be achieved through diplomatic efforts and peace compromise. The agreement reached should reflect the interests of all parties and pave the way for further development in Afghanistan. Other countries, such as Russia, in cooperation with forces inside Afghanistan, should provide the conditions for negotiations and moving forward.”
Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, a Taliban deputy who also attended the meeting, said the Islamic Emirate has features that prevent the disintegration of Afghanistan, provide security and fight corruption and drugs.
Abdullah Abdullah, Chairman of the Supreme National Reconciliation Council, also stressed the need for an immediate ceasefire and the acceleration of peace talks: “We want to speed up the negotiation process and declare a permanent ceasefire to end the violence and bring the two sides together. “Start their negotiations and discussions differently.”
Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, who left for Moscow separately from the delegation, met with Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar on the sidelines of the Moscow meeting.
The Moscow Summit is a one-day meeting initiated by the Russian Foreign Ministry. Abdullah Abdullah considers the Moscow summit to be the basis for the Turkish summit.
Special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad represented the United States, while China and Pakistan also attended the one-day summit.
