Afghan Taliban to get 'safe passage' for joining reconciliation talks

Islamabad, Apr 28(ANI): Pakistan, US and Afghanistan have agreed to provide a 'safe passage' to Taliban militants willing to join the reconciliation talks and set up a working group to settle modalities for their unhindered movement.

Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani announced the recently concluded agreement at a press conference addressed by delegation heads at the 6th core group meeting of the three countries.

The move comes in the wake of the three countries also agreeing to coordinate their activities at the UN for removing Taliban leaders from the Security Council sanctions list.

It is the biggest step forward for promoting reconciliation in Afghanistan since the core group was established a year ago for the sole purpose of advancing the peace process.

Both steps are being viewed as a confidence-building move to put the reconciliation process back on track, The Nation reports.

"All sides have agreed in principle that it would be their collective responsibility to facilitate anyone travelling to take part in peace talks," a Pakistani diplomat said.

Afghan Deputy Foreign Minister Jawed Luden welcomed the decision on the safe passage issue and coordination of efforts for the delisting of Taliban leaders.

"I very much second the two initiatives. ... This will help the reconciliation process," he said. (ANI)