Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Afghan Loya Jirga Meets to Determine Fate of 400 Taliban Prisoners Ahead of
Peace Talks

Ayaz Gul

   ISLAMABAD - A traditional public assembly, known as a Loya Jirga,
   opened in Afghanistan Friday to determine whether a last set of 400
   hard-core prisoners from the Taliban insurgency should be freed to
   clear the way for long-awaited direct peace talks between Afghanistan's
   warring sides.
   Afghan President Ashraf Ghani argued in his speech as he convened the
   meeting that because the prisoners in question are convicted of
   "serious crimes" he was not empowered under the law to set them free
   without consulting the nation.
   "(The) Taliban have promised that within three days of the release of
   these 400 prisoners they will begin direct negotiations with the
   government and agreeing on a permanent cease-fire will top the agenda
   of these negotiations," Ghani said. He cautioned the jirga
   participants, however, that the Taliban has threatened to continue with
   their violent campaign if these inmates are not released.
   Afghan officials said that more than 3,000 delegates, including tribal
   elders, leaders and politicians, are attending the consultative
   assembly tasked to advise the government on what to do about the
   prisoners. Around 700 women are also among the participants in the
   meeting that is expected to remain in session for several days.

.