Washington: Daniel F Feldman, the US special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan is stepping down from his post.
While participating in a discussion organised by the United States Institute of Peace over Afghanistan’s situation on Wednesday, Feldman said that he is going back to the private sector. He did not elaborate the reason behind his resignation. Though, he put light about the political turmoil in the country.
Feldman said that the death of Mullah Omar has in some instant complicated the reconciliation process but this could be an important event. He said that the Taliban began their movement to put an end to the civil war in the country, now they need to decide whether to continue the war or end violence that is barricading Afghanistan’s development and become the legitimate part of the country’s politics.
In another part of his discussion, Feldman praised the recent peace talks between the delegations of the Afghan government and the Afghan Taliban in Islamabad and said that the credit of the improvement of relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan must be given to President Ghani.
United States Institute of Peace Board of Directors Chairman Stephen Hadley said that although, President Ghani faced criticism from inside the country but he told Pakistan that he would keep its interests into consideration and act against Pakistani Taliban if Pakistan brings Afghan Taliban to the negotiation table.
He said the Pakistani officials believed that President Ghani was the man of his words who wants renewed relationship with Pakistan. Hadley said that there were several other reasons that motivate Pakistan to play a role in the reconciliation process in Afghanistan. He added that the Pakistani leaders took the threats of the Taliban more serious after the terrorist attack in Peshawar.
