Afghan government resumes release of remaining Taliban prisoners

The Afghan government has resumed the release of the remaining Taliban prisoners after weeks of delay, the presidential palace confirmed on Wednesday without giving a number.

The Afghan government has resumed the release of the remaining Taliban prisoners after weeks of delay, the presidential palace confirmed on Wednesday without giving a number.

At least 200 militants have been released since Monday, and more detainees are expected to be released by Wednesday, a government source told dpa.

Meanwhile, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation Abdullah Abdullah met with the negotiating team that will soon hold talks with the Taliban in the Qatari capital of Doha.

“The government has fulfilled all of its commitments,” Ghani said in a statement. “Afghans wish that we reach an agreement on violence reduction and a permanent ceasefire.”

The negotiating team is expected to fly to Doha on Thursday, Abdullah’s spokesman said.

The release of 400 Taliban detainees seen as particularly dangerous is considered the last hurdle before the start of peace talks that aimed to end decades of war in the country.

After a decision by a traditional grand assembly, Ghani signed an order for their release last month.

Eighty militants were freed, before a new dispute erupted.

The Afghan government also called for the release of its commandos in Taliban captivity.

Based on an agreement signed by the United States and the Taliban in February, the Taliban are obliged to cut ties with the international terror group al-Qaeda and others active in the country and begin talks with the government.

In return, all international forces would leave Afghanistan.

The agreement also foresees the release of up to 5,000 Taliban prisoners and up to 1,000 pro-government prisoners before the start of peace talks.

The beginning of the talks would mark a historic occasion, as the Taliban has refused any talks with the Afghan government for the past 19 years.