KABUL: The Taliban said on Sunday they were committed to peace talks and wanted a “genuine Islamic system” in Afghanistan that would make provisions for women’s rights in line with cultural traditions and religious rules.
The statement came amid slow progress in the talks between the hardline Islamic group and Afghan Government representatives in Qatar and as violence rises dramatically around the country ahead of the withdrawal of foreign forces by September 11. Officials have raised concerns over the stalling negotiations and have said the Taliban have not yet submitted a written peace proposal that could be used as a starting point for substantive talks.
“We understand that the world and Afghans have queries and questions about the form of the system to be established following withdrawal of foreign troops,” said Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the head of the Taliban’s political office, in the statement, adding the issues were best addressed during negotiations in Doha. “A genuine Islamic system is the best means for solution of all issues of the Afghans,” said Baradar.