Kabul: Abdullah Abdullah, the former chief executive, says he was ready to sit and directly talk with the Taliban representatives to end the war in the country.

Abdullah who was appointed by President Ashraf Ghani as head of the reconciliation council, said Saturday that he would not spare any efforts that lead Afghanistan to a lasting and dignifying peace. He said that the Eid ceasefire by the Taliban could be a chance for the beginning of the peace talks, emphasizing that he would be prepared for talks any time and that the cease-fire should continue during the negotiations.

“We expect the regional countries to continue cooperation with Afghan peace process as peace in Afghanistan is in benefit of the whole region,” he said.

“The high reconciliation council will not spare any efforts that help us to bring a lasting and dignifying peace.”

Abdullah stressed that the peace progress depended on the efforts by both the government and the Taliban, praising the recent flexibilities by the two sides as a hope for holding the intra-Afghan talks.

In a political deal signed some two weeks ago between President Ghani and Abdullah, the latter was appointed to lead peace efforts.

http://www.afghanistantimes.af/abdullah-ready-for-direct-talks-with-militants/