Al-Raya Praises Agreement Between Afghan Government, Taliban to Speed Up Peace Negotiations

Doha, July 19 (QNA) - Al-Raya newspaper praised in its editorial on Monday, the agreement to speed up negotiations for a political solution in Afghanistan that was reached by the delegations of the Afghan government and Taliban at the conclusion of the Doha peace negotiations on Sunday. The newspaper considered the result, which was reached by Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation Abdullah Abdullah and Taliban deputy leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, a diplomatic victory added to the record of the State of Qatar in successful mediation efforts to end crises. The newspaper said that Qatar has always believed in diplomacy and constructive and direct dialogue between the parties to the conflict as an effective means to resolve crises and complex conflicts, adding that Qatar has always stood behind the Afghan people in order to reach a solution that ends this bitter conflict and makes Afghanistan more secure and peaceful. It stated that on Sunday, the two Afghan negotiating delegations in Doha agreed to speed up negotiations for a political solution and expressed their appreciation for Qatar's tremendous efforts to bring peace to Afghanistan. The two sides also affirmed their commitment to continue negotiations at a high level until they reach a settlement that meets the interests of the Afghans, the newspaper said, adding that they also agreed to provide humanitarian assistance throughout Afghanistan. The agreement reached by the Afghan negotiators in Doha constitutes a milestone in the Afghan peace negotiations, and there is no doubt that this important progress shows that the Afghan parties are serious and able to overcome differences and deal with difficult issues, the newspaper said. It added that it is time for the Afghans to enjoy security and peace in order to build their country away from wars, conflicts, displacement and manifestation of destruction, pointing out that Qatar always emphasized that the lessons and experiences of history have proven that military force cannot resolve any conflict in Afghanistan, and that the only way to do so is immediate and permanent ceasefire and open avenues of constructive dialogue through the negotiating table to achieve a comprehensive political settlement among all segments of the Afghan people. Al-Raya concluded its editorial by saying that Qatar will spare no efforts in cooperating with the international community to achieve the desired goals of these negotiations and the aspirations of the Afghan people for security, stability and peace.