Move for Afghan peace

By B. Muralidhar Reddy

ISLAMABAD, SEPT. 3. Worried over the impact of the ongoing civil war in Afghanistan on its neighbours, Turkmenistan has initiated moves to bring the warring factions to the negotiating table.

Reports from Kabul say that Mr. Boris Sheikh Muradov, special envoy of the Turkmenistan President, Mr. Saparmurat Niyazov, met the Afghan Opposition commander, Gen. Ahmad Shah Masood in Dushanbe, capital of Tajikistan on Saturday and presented a secret peace package.

Mr. Muradov, who was in Islamabad on Friday, had called on the Pakistan military ruler, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, and appraised him of the move. It is believed that the proposal envisages establishment of a broad-based government in Afghanistan with representatives of the Taliban that controls 90 per cent of the country and the opposition forces led by Gen. Masood who are in control in the northeast.

Mr. Muradov discussed the formula with the Taliban supreme leader, Mulla Mohammad Omar, and the Foreign Minister, Mr. Wakil Ahmad Muttawakel. Later, he said the Taliban was prepared for unconditional negotiations.

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Section  : International
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