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08Mar18

Peace Talks 'Will Not Be Held Behind Closed Doors'

Abdullah says the Afghan government will not ignore women's demands when it conducts talks with the Taliban.

Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah says the achievements made in the past 15 years in ensuring women's rights will not be compromised in any peace process and that talks will not be held behind closed doors.

Addressing an event on International Women's Day, Abdullah vowed to support women's development in politics, military, culture and economy.

"Afghan government has raised the voice of peace… People will surely be informed during the peace process. No deal will be done behind closed doors. Nothing will be done in the absence of the people," he said.

Toby Lanzer, United Nations Deputy Special Representative for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, at this event, called on the Afghan government to start peace talks with the Taliban.

"The United Nations welcomes the Afghan government's renewed call for unconditional peace talks with the Taliban and the outlining of a framework for peace presented at the meeting last week here in Kabul but I would like to reemphasize that the role of women in every step of a peace process is vital," he said.

The first deputy chief executive, Mohammad Khan, meanwhile said the slogans made for fighting violence against women should be put into practice.

"Women should be aware of their rights," he said.

Women who attended the event asked government to provide an opportunity for educated women to be employed in state institutions.

"Please stop these symbolic jobs for women. There are only a few women in the High Peace Council but their voice is not heard," said Helai Ershad, an MP.

"In both Afghanistan and the United States, generations of women refused to view gender as an obstacle. And in so doing, they changed our societies," US Ambassador in Kabul John Bass said.

[Source: By Anisa Shaheed, Tolo News, Kabul, 08Mar18]
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small logoThis document has been published on 09Mar18 by the Equipo Nizkor and Derechos Human Rights. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes.