New York [USA], Mar 16 (ANI): The UN Security Council on Friday urged militant group Taliban to consider the peace process initiated with Afghan government with an open mind.

While welcoming Kabul's offer to Taliban to engage in direct talks, the UNSC advised the latter to participate in the Afghan peace process without any preconditions or resorting to violent threats, reported by certain media sources.

Earlier on February 28, Afghan president Ashraf Ghani dwelled on a plan to conduct peace process with Taliban which might include the latter to be declared as a political organisation.

Later Afghanistan's Chief Executive Officer Abdullah Abdullah blasted Taliban for not responding to the Afghan offer for peace and reconciliation.

Security Council President Karel Jan Gustaaf van Oosterom of Netherlands said in a statement that UNSC members commended the second meeting of the Kabul Process for Peace and Security Cooperation in Afghanistan in February.

"The members of the Security Council also welcomed the offer made by the Afghan Government to the Taliban to engage in direct peace talks, and called upon the Taliban to accept this offer without any preconditions and without the threat of violence, with the aim of an ultimate political settlement that leads to sustainable peace for the people of Afghanistan," the statement said yesterday.

The Security Council underlined the importance of an inclusive peace process led by the Afghan government to initiate a practical plan for reconciliation.

"The Kabul Process must lead to the renunciation of violence and breaking of all ties to international terrorism, as well as the respect for the equal rights of all Afghans, including women, under the Afghan Constitution," the Council further said.

The members of the Security Council also welcomed ongoing international efforts to advance peace and stability in Afghanistan.

Earlier in March, Ghani proposed to the Taliban group to declare themselves as a political group after conducting discussions with the Afghanistan government.

Other suggestions by Ghani included issuing passports and possibly freeing Taliban prisoners. Ghani, in his offer, also emphasized the government was ready to reconcile and make peace with the insurgent group. (ANI)


This story has not been edited. It has been published as provided by ANI