Published 20:43 IST, July 9th 2021

Taliban, Afghan politicians agree war not a solution as US withdraws troops

Taliban and Afghan officials have agreed that violence is not the answer to the crisis and that a system for transitioning from conflict to peace is needed

Reported by: Rohit Ranjan
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Taliban and Afghan officials have agreed that violence is t answer to Afghan crisis and that a system for transitioning from conflict to enduring peace is needed. Both sides signed a joint declaration with six articles on Wednesday at a meeting in Iran between Taliban and Afghan politicians.

parties also agreed to meet in a "cordial atmosphere" to discuss "issues that require furr consultation and clarity, such as establishing a mechanism for transition from war to lasting peace, and agreed Islamic system and how to achieve it," according to declaration.

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two sides condemned attacks on "people's homes, schools, mosques, and hospitals, resulting in civilian casualties," as well as destruction of public facilities and called for perpetrators to be punished. 

Iran's foreign minister, Jav Zarif started  two-day meeting with an opening speech. Mohamm Abbas Stanikzai, Taliban's negotiator, led delegation. While former Vice President Younus Qaoni led a delegation of Afghan politicians from Kabul to Tehran. Karim Khurram, former chief of staff to former President Hamid Karzai, Ersh Ahmi, a close aide to former President Karzai, President Ashraf Ghani's viser Salaam Rahimi, Zahir Wahdat of Hezb-e-Wahdat party, and Mohammullah Batash of Junbish party were among Kabul officials.

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re is widespre concern that Taliban will launch a full-fledged civil war after seizing control of several districts in country's rth, while Afghan forces are retaliating and launching a counter-offensive against Taliban.

In response to Taliban vances in rrn Afghanistan, hundreds of Afghan security personnel recently retreated across Tajik-Afghan border. Meanwhile, Qatar's Special Envoy to Afghanistan, who arrived in Kabul on Tuesday, met with a number of key Afghan political figures, including former President Hamid Karzai, to discuss ways to speed up Doha peace talks, which have been delocked.

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Ever since US President Joe Biden anunced in April that y will leave Afganistan by September 11. Taliban increased ir attack on various areas and many districts fell to group.

US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said, "what Iran is trying to do with this meeting may well be constructive. I think jury is still out. This is something which we have t discussed with Iranians, or than by making point very publicly that Afganistan's neighbour need to be responsible stakeholders".

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(Inputs from ANI)

Im- @JZarif/Twitter

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20:43 IST, July 9th 2021