Pakistan may release Taliban top commander for Afghan peace talks August 9, 2012 - 18:08 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Pakistan may free the Taliban’s top military commander, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, to give impetus to Afghanistan's ongoing reconciliation efforts with the Taliban, RIA Novosti said citing Pajhvok news agency. Baradar was captured in February 2010 in Karachi, Pakistan, in a secret joint operation by Pakistani and American intelligence forces, according to American government officials. He is ranked second in influence to Afghan Taliban chief Mullah Muhammad Omar. Pakistan has so far resisted Afghanistan's demand for access to Baradar and other key Taliban leaders believed to be in Pakistani custody. The government is actively considering the release of Baradar to boost Kabul's peace negotiations with Taliban, The Express Tribune newspaper quoted its sources as saying. At the time of his arrest, Baradar was believed to be holding secret peace talks with the Afghan government, the News Track India web portal said.   Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.   Partner news |  Latest news The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity  The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization.Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia.Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty.Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |
