Several Afghan opposition politicians say they will boycott a planned meeting of nearly 2,500 Afghan politicians and tribal, ethnic, and religious leaders aimed at reaching national consensus on future peace talks with the Taliban.
Former national security adviser Hanif Atmar, ex-intelligence chief Rahmatullah Nabil, and Ahmad Wali Masud announced their decisions on April 15.
The three prominent politicians said they had not been consulted by the government of President Ashraf Ghani, who is organizing the gathering, known as a consultative Loya Jirga.
The announcements came just a day after Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah said Ghani had not consulted him about the April 29 event.
Ghani has alienated much of the country's political elite, who say they have been sidelined from the government's peace efforts.
The United States has pushed for a peace settlement with the Taliban, with a new round of talks scheduled later this month in Qatar.
The Taliban has long refused to speak officially with Kabul, calling the government a "puppet" of the West, although a government delegation is expected to meet Taliban negotiators in Qatar on April 19.
The push for a peace settlement comes ahead of Afghanistan's presidential poll scheduled for September.
Afghan Opposition Politicians To Boycott Peace Loya Jirga
Related
Editors' Picks
Afghanistan/Pakistan Trending
1
Ukraine's Long-Distance Drones Take Toll On Russia's Oil Business -- And War Chest
2NATO Chief Rutte Tells RFE: 'Thoughtful Dialogue' Needed On Ukraine
3Brawl Exposes Growing Anti-Chinese Sentiment In Kyrgyzstan
4Protests Erupt In Bulgaria Over Budget, Government 'Corruption'
5'Weekend Snipers' Claims Reopen Wartime Trauma In Sarajevo
6Polish PM Tusk Says Railway Explosion 'Act Of Sabotage'
7Tehran Pollution Hits 'Alarming' Level In Latest Environmental Crisis
8They Called Him 'Dr. Evil': The Russian Prison Medic Accused Of Torturing Ukrainian POWs
9How Britain’s Disposable Vape Ban Has Boosted Ukraine’s War Effort
10Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's Hungarian Service Ceases Operations
RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.
If you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and hold a Russian passport or are a stateless person residing permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, please note that you could face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content, or for contacting us.
To find out more, click here.