KABUL - Wolesi Jirga (WJ) Speaker Abdul Rauf Ibrahimi on Monday demanded immediate implementation of peace deal signed between Afghan government and Hizb-i-Islami Afghanistan (HIA) and termed the historic deal vital for peace and stability in the war-torn country.
Ashraf Ghani administration and the HIA, led by Gulbadin Hikmatyar have recently signed a landmark peace deal after two years of negotiations.
HIA -- the second largest insurgent outfit in Afghanistan after the Taliban -- has agreed to embrace the country’s constitution and dismantle its armed wing under the peace accord. In return, the government has promised the release of HIA prisoners and lifting all restrictions on the group.
Release of prisoners by both sides, the appointment of HIA supporters to government jobs and inclusion of its leadership in the decision-making process on key political issues are among major points of the deal.
The two sides have also agreed on making HIA part of the electoral reform process and repatriation of Afghan refugees from the Nasrat Mena camp and other parts of Pakistan. They pledged unconditional adherence to the principles of Islam.
Under the agreement, protection of national interest and enforcement the rule of law will be a joint responsibility of the two parties, which agreed the Afghans could ward off any threat through unity.
Allah Gul Mujahid, a lawmaker from Kabul, demanded prompt implementation of the deal and asked the United Nation Security Council (UNSC) to remove Hikmatyar’s name from blacklist.
He said the deal would help the government with the deteriorated security situation in the country and the unity government without further delay should implement the articles of the deal.
Speaker Abdul Rauf Ibrahimi said: “We want the peace deal with HIA to be implemented without delay. They (HIA) have strong influence over insurgent groups and HIA can play a significant role in stabilising the country.”
Ibrahimi asked the UNSC to remove Hikmatyar’s name from the blacklist of the council. (Pajhwok)