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Afghan Prisoner Swap Ends, Peace Talks to Finally Begin

Ayaz Gul

   ISLAMABAD - Authorities in Afghanistan said Thursday the last group of
   about 400 Taliban prisoners has been released, concluding a protracted
   swap between the two adversaries and finally setting the stage for
   Afghan rivals to launch peace talks brokered by the United States.

   An Afghan government spokesman, Javid Faisal, announced the conclusion
   of the prisoner exchange, noting the fate of a small group of inmates
   was still to be determined. He explained that some Western countries
   have opposed the release of the men for their involvement in deadly
   attacks against foreign citizens.

   "Diplomatic efforts are ongoing. We expect direct talks to start
   promptly," Faisal said.

   Meanwhile, officials in Kabul said a national team of peace
   negotiators, including politicians, civil society activists and
   government officials, will fly to Doha, Qatar, to begin the talks with
   the Taliban.'ŻOfficials say women will be among the negotiators.

   The insurgent group's negotiating team is based in the capital city of
   the Gulf state. It was not immediately known when the dialogue, known
   as the intra-Afghan negotiations, will begin, though some reports said
   it could be as soon as Saturday.

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