Government “optimistic” on Afghan peace process

The Turkmen government has said it is “optimistic” about recent UN efforts to find a peaceful solution to the war in Afghanistan, but has dismissed claims of a softening stance towards the Taliban Islamic movement, which now controls up to 95 percent of Afghan territory. Serdar Nazarov, Second Secretary of the Turkmenistan Embassy in Islamabad, told IRIN on Thursday: “Turkmenistan does not distinguish between the Afghan factions. However, we do recognise the Taliban as the dominant political force in Afghanistan which can ensure and facilitate peace and stability in Afghanistan.” “At the moment, there is ongoing trade and economic cooperation with the Taliban,” as part of the peace initiative put forth in August by Turkmenistan envoy Boris Shikhimuradov and supported by both Pakistan and Iran, Nazarov said. The cooperation was based on the principles of the UN and the Organisation of the Islamic Conference [OIC] resolution on the Afghan settlement, he said. Since that time, Turkmenistan has proposed steps for economic assistance to Afghanistan and on Sunday initiated a $2.5 million hydro-electric project to supply power to the northern Afghan province of Jozjan.