Afghans must have a say in the peace process: Pompeo

The people of Afghanistan must have a say in “creating a sustainable peace” for the country, the US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, said Tuesday as his special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad returned from a trip to the region.

This was the message conveyed to stake holders during Khalilzad’s recent visit to Afghanistan, the UAE, and Qatar, Pompeo said.

“In every one of his meetings, Ambassador Khalilzad stressed that all Afghans must have a say in creating a sustainable peace for Afghanistan. We will continue to work with all interested parties to support and facilitate an inclusive peace process,” Pompeo said.

Khalilzad’s first and last stop was Kabul, where he met with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, Chief Executive Abdullah, and other Afghan stakeholders to facilitate a peace process between the Government of Afghanistan and the Taliban, he said.

“During this visit to Kabul, Ambassador Khalilzad met with men and women active in Afghan civil society and peace efforts, members of the media, and other governmental and nongovernmental organizations,” Pompeo said.