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The Implications of Peace Deal with Hekmatyar
 [Khaama (Afghanistan)] The peace deal between the Government of Afghanistan and Gulbadin Hekmatyar is the first noteworthy success of the National Unity Government (NUG) in peace efforts. Hezb-e- Islami (HIA) of Gulbadin Hekmatyar agreed to cease hostilities in exchange for government recognition of the group and support for the removal of American and United Nations...a formerly good idea gone bad... sanctions against its leader, according to the agreement. The western nations and the United States welcomed the peace agreement with Hekmatyar "We applaud both parties for seeking a peaceful resolution through political dialogue and negotiation, and we commend the agreement as an important demonstration of the Afghan government’s commitment to restoring peace and stability in Afghanistan," the White House said in a statement. The draft deal is in effect as it has been signed by President Ashraf Ghani  ...former chancellor of Kabul University, now president of Afghanistan. Before returning to Afghanistan in 2002 he was a scholar of political science and anthropology. He worked at the World Bank working on international development assistance. As Finance Minister of Afghanistan between July 2002 and December 2004, he led Afghanistan's attempted economic recovery until the Karzais stole all the money. ..and by Mr. Hekmatyar, though not physically together. The Commitments Based on the agreement, the NUG committed to grant Hekmatyar amnesty for all his past offenses and release certain HIA prisoners. The Afghan government also agreed to press for the lifting of American and UN sanctions on Hekmatyar. The deal also includes provisions for his security at government expense. HIA will agree to cease all military anti-government activity and recognize the current Afghan constitution. On the political side, the Afghan government pledges to provide freedom of travel and accommodation for the leader of HIA and other prominent personalities of that party and to give Hekmatyar the choice of two or three appropriate residences, including security arrangements, for which it will take on the costs. In addition, according to the agreement, the government further honor Hekmatyar in a special presidential decree "for his efforts for the liberation of the country," and will officially announce the right of HIA to be active both in the political and the social arenas and participate in all elections. The Government of Afghanistan also commits to arrange for the presence of HIA in the "consultation process for important government policies". The agreement also provides for the voluntary return of refugees from HIA-related camps in Pakistain and other HIA members in exile. Returnees will receive land "in Kabul ...the capital of Afghanistan. Home to continuous fighting from 1992 to 1996 between the forces of would-be strongman and Pak ISI/Jamaat-e-Islami sock puppet Gulbuddin Hekmayar and the Northern Alliance, a period which won Hek the title Most Evil Man in the Worldand didn't do much for the reputations of the Northern Alliance guys either.... and other provinces," and about 20,000 families will be given help from "the international community." Posted by: Fred 2016-10-03 |
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