Pakistan, Afghan leaders agree on action against Taliban

Pakistan's Army Chief General Raheel Sharif and Afghan leaders agreed in talks in Kabul on Sunday to take action against those armed groups refusing to join peace process, the military said.

General Raheel Sharif held meetings with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Dr Abdullah Abdullah and discussed"security related issues including information sharing, coordinated counter terrorism operations on respective sides and way forward for Afghan peace process,"the military said.

It was the third visit of the Pakistan army chief to Afghanistan in one year that was seen important amid diplomatic efforts to end deadlock in the Afghan peace process.

"Both sides agreed that they would pursue peace. Elements who would still continue to pursue violence will be dealt under a mutually worked out framework," said an army statement issued at the conclusion of the day-long visit of the army chief.

Discussing the way forward for peace process in Afghanistan, both sides agreed to work in an already agreed quadrilateral framework that involves Afghanistan, China, Pakistan and the United States.

With a shared responsibility, all stakeholders would support and ensure success of an Afghan government led intra Afghan dialogue and reconciliation.

First round of quadrilateral meeting will be scheduled in January to work out a clear and comprehensive road map for a meaningful peace process with a clear demarcation of responsibilities of each stake holders at all stages.

Pakistani and Afghan leaders also reviewed the security along the common border and the Pakistani military chief"stressed on instituting an efficient mechanism for better coordination and preclude chances of any individual group crossing over to either side."

"Both sides reiterated not to allow use of their respective soil against each other and agreed to sternly handle any elements crossing over and getting involved in violence on either side, through active intelligence sharing and Intelligence Based Operations,"the statement said.

Emphasizing the need to improve bilateral relations, it was decided to establish a hot line contact between the Director General Military Operation of both countries and increase frequency of visits for better coordination.

The army chief met Gen John Campbell, Comd Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan and visited Bagram Air Base where he was briefed on the capabilities of Resolute Support Mission and special operations.

They reviewed"matters of mutual interest, regional security issues with particular reference to reconciliation process in Afghanistan and better coordination for operations along bordering regions." 
  Xinhua -china.org.cn
  28/12/15
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