Afghan government welcomes Taliban leader's remarks on peace talks

The government of Afghanistan welcomed the remarks by a Taliban group leader who emphasized on peace talks as an effective approach to end the ongoing crisis and violence in Afghanistan. A Taliban group leader Mullah Agha Jan Mutasim recently pointed towards the Taliban group's preference for holding peace talks with the Afghan government, according to the Afghan (Khaama Press). Mullah Agha Jan Mutasim has reportedly said that the decision was taken during a meeting attended by nearly 20 Taliban leaders in Dubai. Taliban leaders who attended the meeting included seven former ministers in the Taliban government, eight senior military commanders and four former Taliban diplomats. The remarks by Mullah Agha Jan Mutasim was discussed during the National Security Council meeting chaired by president Karzai on Sunday. The development regarding the Afghan peace process coincided with the summit in Ankara which was attended by Afghan president Hamid Karzai, Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Turkish officials. In the meantime, officials in Afghan high peace council welcomed the remarks by Mullah Agha Jan Mutasim and insisted that any peace talks with the Taliban group should be held by Afghan high peace council. Mullah Agha Jan Mutasim in his statement has also said that he has also won some support in Pakistan for his movement.