Friday December 16, 2016
Kabul (BNA) Officials of the National Security Council said the ministry of foreign affairs has sent a formal dossier to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to remove all sanctions on Hezb-e-Islami Afghanistan (HIA). Tawab Ghorzang, the National Security Council (NSC) spokesperson said, ‘the documentation to seek removal of HIA leader’s name from the blacklist had been prepared by the NSC and the UNSC is expected to cooperate with the government of Afghanistan in the respect.’ He stressed that the government of Afghanistan expects the HIA to practice its commitments mentioned in peace accord before lifting sanctions by UNSC. According to him, the removal would be a major development towards establishment of durable peace and stability in the country. Ghorzang also said UNSC committee members had pledged complete cooperation with the Afghan government’s request for lifting all sanctions against Hekmatyar, adding the request would be deeply scrutinized and would be approved soon. At the same time, senior officials of the HIA said, ‘we will practice our commitments step by step.’
A number of political experts and people said that they ask the government of national unity to make effort in ensuring peace throughout the country. Ali Rahmani, a political expert believes that ensuring security and access to peace is the people demand, adding the government of Afghanistan should also strive to invite other opposition-factions for negotiators and encourage them to join peace process. However, the Afghan people don’t have good memory from HIA, but they ask the government to pave the way for maintaining lasting peace, because they are sick of war anymore and don’t want their country to be further destroyed, Rahmani added. Welcoming joining HIA to peace process, a number of people expect the UNSC to cooperate with the government of Afghanistan in restoring lasting peace in the country. In fact, joining HIA to peace process will also persuade other opposition groups to stop war and violence and join the process. A high-school graduate, Wahida said, ‘there is no doubt that the Afghans are in dire need of peace, therefore, the UNSC and its partners should work on the issue and lift sanctions on HIA.’ Few months earlier, the Afghan government and HIA have signed a peace agreement after months of talks, and the people are now more hopeful to their future.
Suraya Raiszada
