Afghanistan Peace Deal: Taliban rejects intra-Afghan talks until prisoner release

Taliban has rejected to participate in intra-Afghan talks until release of prisoners. In a statement, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told international media that talks would proceed until release of all 5000 prisoners. development comes just two days after United States and Taliban signed historic peace agreement to end bloody war in Afghanistan that lasted for almost two deces. 

"If our 5,000 prisoners - 100 or 200 more or less does t matter, do t get released re will be intra-Afghan talks," Afghan media said quoting Taliban. US and Taliban representatives negotiated for almost 18 months in Doha, before signing peace deal under multiple conditions. 

friction within peace deal flared up on Monday after Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani said that his government has t agreed to prison swap with Talibani prisoners. However, under historic peace deal, 5,000 prisoners were expected to be released by Afghan government, as a pre-condition for direct dialogue with armed group. 

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" government of Afghanistan has me commitment to free 5,000 Taliban prisoners. It is t in authority of United States to decide, y are only a facilitator" Afghan President Ashraf Ghani told reporters in Kabul. Taliban, in conflict with democratic government, has often refused to sit down for talks calling it a "puppet regime."

US-Taliban peace deal

Diplomats from Afghanistan, United States, India, Pakistan and or members of United Nations gared alongside Taliban representatives in Doha's Sheraton Hotel on February 29. deal if signed, will end 18-year-old long war of United States in Afghanistan. 

" United States will reduce number of US military forces in Afghanistan to 8,600 and implement or commitments in US-Taliban agreement within 135 days of anuncement of this joint declaration and US-Taliban agreement and will work with its allies and Coalition to reduce proportionally number of Coalition forces in Afghanistan over an equivalent period, subject to Taliban’s fulfillment of its commitments under US-Taliban agreement," joint Afghan-US declaration re. 

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani speaking about peace deal said that all contents in agreement are 'conditions-based'. He ded saying that withdrawal of foreign forces from region will depend on Taliban's fulfillment of ir commitments. Taliban h even ordered its fighters to refrain from any attacks. 

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