Taliban to Take Part in «Intra-Afghan» Talks in Moscow

By Staff

The Taliban say they will participate in what they call "intra-Afghan" talks in Moscow among prominent Afghan figures, including former President Hamid Karzai and tribal elders – but no Kabul government officials.

The office of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has criticized the meeting in the Russian capital, expected on Tuesday, as a gathering of the power-hungry.

Zalmay Khalilzad, the US envoy tasked with resolving Afghanistan's 17-year war, has been pressing for such a dialogue, even as he holds separate negotiations with the Taliban.

The Taliban refuse to talk to Ghani's government.

Among those who have confirmed their attendance in Moscow is Haneef Atmar, who is running against Ghani in the elections. Former warlord Atta Muhammad Noor and former Afghan president Hamid Karzi – both Ghani rivals – are also attending.

The Russian embassy in Kabul issued a statement late Saturday on behalf of the “Afghan Society of Russia”. The group said it had invited “influential figures” to the dialogue in the President Hotel in Moscow.

A statement released on Monday by Afghans attending the Moscow meeting describes it as "the first step toward intra-Afghan dialogue."

The Taliban delegation will be led by Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai.