Afghanistan Opens Loya Jirga To Discuss Current Peace Talks With The Taliban

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani (center) attends a consultative grand assembly known as the Loya Jirga in Kabul on April 29.

RFE: Afghanistan Opens Loya Jirga To Discuss Peace Talks

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has opened a four-day Loya Jirga, or grand assembly, with more than 3,200 delegates seeking to agree on a common approach to peace talks with the Taliban.

The Loya Jirga bringing together politicians, tribal elders, and other prominent figures was overshadowed by no-shows by several high-ranking officials, including Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, Ghani's partner in a unity government.

President Ghani's special envoy, Omar Daudzai, said that delegates from Afghan refugees in Iran and Pakistan were among the participants of the gathering taking place under tight security in Kabul on April 29.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: Past Afghan Loya Jirgas never stopped the war. Will this one make a difference? If history is any indication, the answer is no.

More News On Afghanistan Opening A Loya Jirga To Discuss Current Peace Talks With The Taliban

Afghan leader holds council to set agenda for Taliban talks -- AP
Afghan president opens grand assembly in bid to gain initiative in Taliban talks -- Reuters
Peace Jirga Begins With 3,200 Delegates In Attendance -- TOLO News
Ghani opens meeting in Kabul to discuss Taliban peace talks -- Al Jazeera
Jirga Will Determine Framework For Talks With Taliban: Ghani -- TOLO News