The Afghan government published on Tuesday a long list of delegates who will meet with the Taliban in Doha this week to discuss the most-awaited peace process in the war-torn country.
According to a roster issued by the presidential palace. the Afghan delegation comprises 250 people, including top government officials – President Ashraf Ghani’s chief of staff, Abdul Salam Rahimi, as well as his election running mate, Amrullah Saleh, the former head of Afghan intelligence.
Other listed delegates come from various walks of Afghan life including youth leaders, tribal elders and — significantly — 52 women, AFP reported.
The officials of both – Taliban and Afghan government – stated on Monday that dozens of women would attend the next round of Afghan peace talks, which will formally begin on April 19 in Doha.
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid telephoned reporters in Kabul on Monday and told them that “there will be women in the Taliban delegation in Doha”.
Earlier on Monday, Afghan government officials also announced in Kabul that their delegation would also include “dozens of women.”
An Afghan news agency, Tolo, reported that US and Taliban delegations had arrived in Doha on Monday for initial talks, although the formal meeting would begin on April 19.
The report also said that United States special representative for Afghan peace process Zalmay Khalilzad had also reached the Qatari capital.
