News - Afghanistan

The Afghan government has welcomed talks between Pakistan security chiefs and the US special envoys next week in Brussels, urging its neighbor to be honest in any commitments it makes.

"This is a good move and we hope that Pakistan will be honest in implementing its commitments," Afghan Foreign Ministry spokesman Janan Mosazai said Sunday.

The outgoing US special envoy to the region Marc Grossman and his deputy Gen. Doug Lute will meet Pakistan's Chief of Army Gen. Ashfaq Kiyani and ISI Chief Gen. Zaheerul Islam to discuss matters related to peace including how to bring the Taliban into peace negotiations.

Afghan military analyst Fazel Ahmad Orya said the talks demonstrate the level of authority Pakistan's military officials have in the country.

"Grossman is talking with military officials because they are the decision makers," he said. "But I don't think Pakistan will be honest again, as always," he added.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is also scheduled to meet her Pakistani counterpart Hina Rabbani Khar in Brussels on Tuesday.

These meetings come after two high level visits from Afghan delegations to Islamabad last month in an efforts to garner support for the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan.

The first visit by the Afghan High Peace Council led by Salahuddin Rabbani saw Islamabad release eight political Taliban prisoners.

Last Friday, Afghan Foreign Minister Zalmai Rassoul also visited Islamabad and received an assurance that more Taliban leaders will be released.

Afghan officials have requested the Taliban prisoner release in the belief that their freedom will help demonstrate the government's desire to negotiate a peace deal.