Afghan President Ashraf Ghani orders the release of 1,500 Taliban prisoners as a goodwill gesture to get intra-Afghan negotiations started
In this Monday, March 9, 2020 photo, Afghanistan's Abdullah Abdullah, front left, greets his supporters after being sworn in as president in Kabul, Afghanistan.
There was no official response from the Taliban, but The Associated Press saw a letter that Mullah Nooruddin Turabi, the head of the Taliban's Prisoners Commission, sent to the prisoners, their families and Taliban leaders promising there would be no intra-Afghan talks until all the prisoners are released.
"We never agreed to any conditional release of the prisoners. If someone claims this, it will be against the peace accord that we signed on February 29." However, the presidential decree went on to say the first round of 1,500 prisoners will be selected based on age, health and the length of their sentences already served. The released prisoners, who will be biometrically identified, will also have to give a written guarantee that they will not return to the battlefield.
Despite the political chaos in Kabul and increased violence on the battlefield, the US has started withdrawing its troops in keeping with the deal it signed on February 29 with the Taliban. In the first phase, Washington will reduce its troops contingent to 8,600, down from the current 13,000.
Indonesia Berita Terbaru, Indonesia Berita utama
Similar News:Anda juga dapat membaca berita serupa dengan ini yang kami kumpulkan dari sumber berita lain.
US troops exit two Afghan bases as Taliban readies for prisoner swapTroops are leaving Helmand and Herat military bases, a US official says. Meanwhile, Taliban sends buses towards Bagram air base for prisoner release, a key component of its peace deal with US.
Baca lebih lajut »
Afghan government to release Taliban prisoners as U.N. backs push to end warAfghan President Ashraf Ghani is preparing to release 1,500 Taliban prisoners in...
Baca lebih lajut »
US starts troop pullout, seeks end to Afghan leaders' feudThe U.S. military begins withdrawing troops from Afghanistan, a step forward on the Trump administration's peace deal with the Taliban. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani also promises to start releasing Taliban prisoners after a delay.
Baca lebih lajut »
US starts troop pullout, seeks end to Afghan leaders' feudThe U.S. military says it has begun withdrawing troops from Afghanistan.
Baca lebih lajut »
U.S. starts troop pullout, seeks end to Afghan leaders' feudThe U.S. military says it has begun withdrawing troops from Afghanistan, under the peace deal signed with the Taliban.
Baca lebih lajut »