Afghan government and Taliban representatives are set to hold talks in the Maldives on national reconciliation, their second such meeting this year. “The government of Maldives confirms that talks are being held this week in the Maldives between Afghan legislators and representatives from groups opposed to the Afghan government,”
President Mohammed Nasheed’s press secretary Mohammed Zuhair said.
The Maldivian government has no involvement in the talks, Mr Zuhair said.
“We cannot disclose the location of the talks, although we can confirm that they are not being held in Male or other population centres,” he said.
According to Mr Zuhair, all representatives involved in the talks are holding valid passports and visas. “None of the representatives involved in the talks are listed in UN or other international travel blacklists, he said, adding Maldivian security and intelligence agencies have been fully informed of the parleys.”
“Afghanistan’s stability affects the peace and security of our region. The government of Maldives supports efforts to bring a resolution to the conflict in Afghanistan,” he said.
The Maldives hosted a similar peace meeting in January ahead of the London conference. —PTI