Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Sunday expressed opposition to the release of Taliban prisoners, as included in the deal between the United States and the group.
According to the deal, up to 5,000 Taliban prisoners will be released as confidence building measure by March 10 when the intra-Afghan negotiations are expected to begin. In return, the Taliban would release 1,000 prisoners they are holding.
Speaking at a press conference in Kabul, Ghani dismissed it as a “precondition”, saying that confidence could be built during the negotiations and the issue of prisoner release could bediscussed during negotiations.
He said that there was no guarantee that the released Taliban militants would not return to the battlefield.
Ghani said that team to negotiate with the Taliban will be representative, but limits of its authorities will be pre-determined.
He said that the team will not have the authority to decide the fate of his presidency. “We not to focus on republicness, not president.”
He also said that he cannot give up the first and second chapter of the Constitution.
According to the president, people have consensus on peace, but not on its price.
Asked if he would hold swearing-ceremony for a second term on March 9, Ghani replied “yes.”
Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, who was Ghani’s main challenger in the election and rejected the results, has also planned a parallel inauguration.
Ghani, however, said that “no one can declare himself president.”
