Ghani orders review of composition, responsibilities of advisory board for peace

Last week, the Afghan government unveiled the advisory board for peace that would provide input into the negotiations with the Taliban. Twelve government members and 17 political leaders were also announced as members of the high board.
The composition of the board, however, drew criticism including by a member of High Peace Council who said women had no equal share.
On Sunday, Hizb-i-Islami leader Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, who was also named as a member of the board, criticized role of the board, saying the board should have the authority to negotiate.
On Monday, the advisory board held its first meeting in the presidential palace, where they welcomed the president’s peace plan, and stressed on direct peace negotiations with Taliban, a statement from the presidency said.
“The board insisted that only the government has the constitutional authority to indulge in negotiations,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah stated that any progress in regards to the peace process will be publicized. “No information will be held back from the Afghan people,” he said.
He asserted that the government is the only institution authorized to conduct the negotiations.