IECC chief skeptical about peace talks’ success

KABUL (Pajhwok): Independent Electoral Complaints Commission (IECC) chief Abdul Sattar Sadat on Wednesday said he was skeptical the renewed inteational push to revive the Afghan peace talks would succeed as he doubted Pakistan’s sincerity.

Sadat said he would support every initiative aimed at bringing peace and stability to the country.

Pakistan will host direct talks between Afghan govement and Afghan Taliban, including other insurgent groups, in the first week of March.

A joint statement issued at the conclusion of the fourth meeting of the Quadrilateral Coordination Group (QCG) in Kabul said the QCG member states invite Taliban and other groups to participate through their authorised representatives in the first round of direct peace talks with the Afghan govement.

In the meeting representatives of four participant countries; Pakistan, Afghanistan, China and United States decided the date of first session of direct talks between Afghan govement and Taliban insurgents.

The IECC chief said the Afghans should support every effort for peace and stability in their country.

“As far as we know our neighbouring countries, particularly Pakistan, we have doubts and we are not optimistic about a positive outcome,” he said.

He said he had no doubt about China’s sincerity but it was too early for China to realise the gravity of the situation.

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