UPDATE - Mechanism reached for release of Taliban inmates: Ghani

UPDATE - Mechanism reached for release of Taliban inmates: Ghani

Loud explosions, gunfire heard as Afghan president sworn in for second 5-year term

UPDATES WITH MORE REMARKS BY GHANI, REVISED DECK

By Shadi Khan Saif

KABUL, Afghanistan (AA) - A mechanism for the release of Taliban prisoners has been reached and a presidential decree on this will be issued on Tuesday, according to the country’s president.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani’s remarks on Monday came at his swearing-in ceremony for a second five-year term.

During the ceremony, loud explosions and gunfire were heard. Ghani said such explosions and gunfire “cannot deter him from serving the nation.”

“In return for the Taliban release, the people will see a measurable and notable reduction in violence,” he added.

Thanking the U.S. for seeking a political settlement of the Afghan conflict, Ghani called for an explanation of ties between the Taliban and Daesh/ISIS and their alleged backers, namely Pakistan, to avoid more violence after the reaching of a proposed peace deal with the Taliban.

Ghani added that an inclusive team for negotiations with the Taliban would be announced on Tuesday. He also urged the Taliban to shun violence and cooperate to develop Afghanistan’s mineral resources for peace and prosperity.

“Rest assured, respectful peace under the roof of democracy is coming,” he said.

In clear reference to his political opponent, Ghani said he would continue with the current Cabinet for two weeks, and later form a new “inclusive” government.

“The time of elections and divisions is over … Afghanistan now needs a strong and stable state, and my team and I will leave this legacy behind,” he said.

At a nearby location, his onetime electoral rival Abdullah Abdullah also held a parallel swearing-in ceremony, rejecting the results of last September’s elections.

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