2nd LD Writethru: President Ghani emphasizes durable peace as Afghans gather to decide fate of 400 Taliban inmates

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KABUL, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- Afghanistan's President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani emphasized the returning of durable peace and stability in the conflict-battered country as thousands of Afghan elders, chieftains and notables gathered in a Consultative Loya Jirga or grand assembly here in Kabul on Friday to decide the fate of 400 Taliban inmates at government prisons.

"We need peace, real and durable peace and stability in our country. A national peace that must be accepted by all," Ghani said in his speech at the gathering.

More than 3,000 elders, chieftains and delegates from across the war-battered country, according to officials, assembled in Kabul to discuss and decide the fate of more than 400 Taliban prisoners who are involved in major crimes and terrorist activities including deadly bombings, kidnapping and killing government employees and civilians.

The Afghan government has already freed more than 5,000 Taliban inmates but opposed the release of over 400 controversial prisoners.

"We have freed 5,100 Taliban prisoners against 1,000 Afghan troopers and civilians to pave the way for peace," Ghani said in his remarks.

The exchange of 5,000 Taliban detainees with 1,000 Afghan troopers is part of the U.S.-Taliban peace deal to facilitate the intra-Afghan dialogue and pave the way for the pull-out of the U.S.-led foreign forces from Afghanistan to end the war in the country.

The Taliban outfit has refused to talk with the Afghan government unless and until the 5,000 Taliban detainees and the controversial 400 others are released.

Describing Taliban militants as a reality of the Afghan society, Ghani said, "I trust that your decision with regard to the release of detainees is for the larger interests of the country." Enditem

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