Iran Press/Asia: In closing ceremony of peace summit of Afghanistan parliament, Loya Jirga, in Kabul, president Ashraf Ghani praised Iran for its support of Afghan-led peace process in his country, according to Iran Press.
In the ceremony, president Ashraf Ghani described Iranian-Afghan relations as an expanding one and noted that Islamic Republic of Iran always supports peace negotiations that Afghan government leads it.
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"My message to our neighbors, in particular Pakistan, is that the peace is such a big gift that leads to you economy booming; we look for warm relation with all countries including Pakistan;" said president Ashraf Ghani in the closing ceremony.
He also called on Pakistan that let us prove that all doubts about our mutual relations were wrong and show that we can change "threat oriented" relations into the "peace oriented" relations.
"We will put an end to the suffering and sorrow in our land in any possible way and cooperation of our neighbors is critical to meet that goal;" President Ashraf Ghani added.
Welcoming the suggestions that Loya Jirga proposed for peace, President Ashraf Ghani continued that: "since now, resolution of Loya Jirga will our road map for peace and all measures will be taken to following up and implementing it; people of Afghanistan will also see quick and transparent measures in this regard".
"The peace does not mean trampled down of Taliban or Afghan government; rather, it means joint investment and living side by side in peace;" the president said, addressing Taliban group.
President Ashraf Ghani also promised to free 175 Taliban prisoners ahead of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month that starts next week, to show his government's goodwill.
This week's "loya jirga", or grand assembly, saw about 3,200 religious and tribal leaders, politicians and representatives gather under tight security to try to find common ground and discuss possible conditions for a peace deal with the Taliban. The summit ends today (Friday) by issuing a statement, demanding an immediate and permanent ceasefire
The jirga comes as the Taliban, who were not at the talks, are this week separately meeting in Doha with US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad.
Earlier on Apr 30, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Seyyed Abbas Mousavi said in a statement that “the Islamic Republic of Iran welcomes and supports any process and talks contributing to sustainable peace, stability and security in Afghanistan.” 212/103
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