Al-Sharq, The Peninsula Underline Qatar's Efforts for Afghan Peace

Doha, August 19 (QNA) - Al-Sharq and The Peninsula newspapers commended on Thursday the efforts made by the State of Qatar in the Afghan peace process by hosting and facilitating the talks that continued between the various Afghan factions, the United States and others. In their editorials, the two newspapers stressed that the State of Qatar, through the prominent and leading role it plays in mediating between the Afghan parties to resolve the conflict, and its efforts to achieve a comprehensive political settlement and ensure a peaceful transfer of power, has become the focus of world attention and a central arena for international and regional consultations on Afghanistan, referring to the talks and contacts the leadership and government held with the leaders of other countries on the situation in Afghanistan. Al-Sharq said that Qatar's role is not limited to the political aspect and mediation between Afghans only, but extends to include the humanitarian aspect, noting in this context the phone call HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani received from HE the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi, during which they discussed the issue of Afghan refugees in light of developments in Afghanistan, and the importance of developing an international mechanism for dealing with the displaced, in addition to the UN High Commissioner's recommendation not to impose a forced return for Afghan citizens. The paper underlined that the State of Qatar, as one of the main partners and supporters of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in facing humanitarian crises, and out of its relations with the brotherly Afghan people, realizes the need to place the humanitarian repercussions that resulted from the current developments in Afghanistan at the center of international attention, to stand by Afghan refugees and displaced people who have been affected by the conflicts in their country. Al-Sharq concluded that the State of Qatar will remain committed to continuing its efforts with all relevant authorities and international partners to work in order to facilitate and provide the necessary support and assistance to Afghan refugees and displaced people, as humanitarian action constitutes an integral part of the culture and heritage of Qatari society, as well as its continuous mediation in order to contribute in a comprehensive settlement that meets the aspirations of the Afghan people and achieves stability and prosperity in Afghanistan. For its part, The Peninsula English newspaper praised in its editorial the efforts of the State of Qatar which has been actively involved in the Afghan peace process by hosting and facilitating the years-long talks between the various Afghan factions and the US and others. The paper noted that Qatar's efforts for peace in Afghanistan have been lauded by the Afghans as well as the global community. The newspaper said that from day one, Doha has advocated for a peaceful settlement to the two decades-long conflict in Afghanistan through negotiations between all the Afghan groups, and has also hosted the signing of a peace deal between the Taliban and the United States in February 2020. The Peninsula highlighted talks between the leadership, the government, and leaders of other countries to discuss the situation in Afghanistan, where HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani discussed on Tuesday the situation in Afghanistan with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Both the leaders underlined the importance of continuing the talks and intensifying the necessary efforts to achieve the national reconciliation and the peaceful transfer of power for the interest of the Afghan people, the paper added. The paper pointed out that HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani received a phone call from HE US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, during which the top US envoy thanked the State of Qatar for its role in continuing talks and providing the necessary assistance in the evacuation process. They also stressed the importance of protecting civilians, intensifying efforts to achieve a national reconciliation, and working on a comprehensive political settlement to ensure a peaceful transition of power in light of the gains the people of Afghanistan have achieved. The newspaper said that HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs has also spoken with his counterparts in Indonesia and South Korea as well as the United Nations Secretary-General on the situation in Afghanistan. In another meeting with Taliban leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, HE highlighted the need to protect civilians and working towards national reconciliation, a comprehensive political settlement and a peaceful transfer of power in Afghanistan, the paper added. The Peninsula concluded its editorial by saying that the Taliban must work towards forming an inclusive government in Kabul and protect the rights of all Afghans. (QNA)