US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged prominent Afghans holding a major meeting Friday to free Taliban prisoners, promising help if the war-torn nation moves forward on peace efforts.

"We acknowledge that the release of these prisoners is unpopular," Pompeo said in a statement.

"But this difficult action will lead to an important result long sought by Afghans and Afghanistan's friends: reduction of violence and direct talks resulting in a peace agreement and an end to the war."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-foreign-minister-says-pakistani-terror-groups-have-symbiotic-relations-with-al-qaeda-is-318709">Also read|&nbsp;Afghan foreign minister says Pakistani terror groups have symbiotic relations with Al Qaeda, IS</a>

In a statement unthinkable after the September 11, 2001 attacks triggered the US invasion, the top US diplomat told Afghan leaders that the Taliban were committed to reducing violence after talks start.

"The United States intends to hold the Taliban to these commitments," Pompeo said.

The Taliban are demanding the release of 400 prisoners -- many accused of serious offenses, with more than 150 on death row -- as a condition to start peace talks with the internationally recognized government in Kabul.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-10-taliban-terrorists-killed-as-clashes-resume-post-eid-ceasefire-318642">Also read|&nbsp;Afghanistan: 10 Taliban terrorists killed as clashes resume post Eid ceasefire</a>

President Ashraf Ghani deferred the decision on whether to release these inmates to a loya jirga -- a traditional Afghan meeting of tribal elders and other stakeholders.

President Donald Trump's administration is eager to wind down America's longest war and showcase a foreign policy success ahead of November elections.

The United States on February 29 signed a deal with the Taliban under which all US troops would leave by mid-2021.

Pompeo vowed that the United States would maintain support for Afghanistan.

"We are ready to support a peace settlement, including by extending US development programs to previously underserved areas," Pompeo said.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged prominent Afghans holding a major meeting Friday to free Taliban prisoners, promising help if the war-torn nation moves forward on peace efforts.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged prominent Afghans holding a major meeting Friday to free Taliban prisoners, promising help if the war-torn nation moves forward on peace efforts. "We acknowledge that the release of these prisoners is unpopular," Pompeo said in a statement. "But this difficult action will lead to an important result long sought by Afghans and Afghanistan's friends: reduction of violence and direct talks resulting in a peace agreement and an end to the war." Also read| Afghan foreign minister says Pakistani terror groups have symbiotic relations with Al Qaeda, IS In a statement unthinkable after the September 11, 2001 attacks triggered the US invasion, the top US diplomat told Afghan leaders that the Taliban were committed to reducing violence after talks start. "The United States intends to hold the Taliban to these commitments," Pompeo said. The Taliban are demanding the release of 400 prisoners -- many accused of serious offenses, with more than 150 on death row -- as a condition to start peace talks with the internationally recognized government in Kabul. Also read| Afghanistan: 10 Taliban terrorists killed as clashes resume post Eid ceasefire President Ashraf Ghani deferred the decision on whether to release these inmates to a loya jirga -- a traditional Afghan meeting of tribal elders and other stakeholders. President Donald Trump's administration is eager to wind down America's longest war and showcase a foreign policy success ahead of November elections. The United States on February 29 signed a deal with the Taliban under which all US troops would leave by mid-2021. Pompeo vowed that the United States would maintain support for Afghanistan. "We are ready to support a peace settlement, including by extending US development programs to previously underserved areas," Pompeo said.

Pompeo urges key Afghan gathering to free Taliban prisoners

Thousands of Afghan elders, community leaders and politicians gathered on Friday to debate government efforts to make peace with the Taliban, in particular the fate of 400 hard-core Taliban prisoners whose release could clear the way for talks.

Some 3,200 people have been invited to the grand assembly, known as a Loya Jirga, in Kabul amid tight security to debate for at least three days and then advise the government on whether the prisoners should be freed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-urges-key-afghan-gathering-to-free-taliban-prisoners-318770">Also read:&nbsp;Pompeo urges key Afghan gathering to free Taliban prisoners</a>

As part of a February pact between the United States and the Taliban allowing for the withdrawal of U.S. troops, it was agreed that some 5,000 Taliban prisoners should be released from Afghan jails as a condition for talks between the militants and the U.S.-backed government.

The government has released all but some 400 militants it says have been convicted of the worst crimes including killings, drug trafficking and kidnapping.

While many Afghans see the peace effort as the best hope for ending the 19-year war with the Taliban, some are concerned about the militants` commitment to reconciliation, especially after the United States completes its troop withdrawal.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-foreign-minister-says-pakistani-terror-groups-have-symbiotic-relations-with-al-qaeda-is-318709">Also read:&nbsp;Afghan foreign minister says Pakistani terror groups have symbiotic relations with Al Qaeda, IS</a>

U.S. special envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad, the architect of the deal allowing the United States to withdraw its forces and end its longest-ever war, warned against the Loya Jirga throwing up any complications.

"We wish the jirga participants success ... and urge them not to allow those who prefer the status quo and seek to complicate the path to peace to manipulate the process," Khalilzad said on Twitter. He did not elaborate. 
Afghanistan’s constitution recognises the Loya Jirga as "the highest manifestation of the will of the people of Afghanistan".

The head of its secretariat, Abdul Salam Rahimi, said its decision was necessary as President Ashraf Ghani was not empowered to release prisoners convicted of such serious crimes.

He said precautions would be taken to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Thousands of Afghan elders, community leaders and politicians gathered on Friday to debate government efforts to make peace with the Taliban, in particular the fate of 400 hard-core Taliban prisoners whose release could clear the way for talks.

Thousands of Afghan elders, community leaders and politicians gathered on Friday to debate government efforts to make peace with the Taliban, in particular the fate of 400 hard-core Taliban prisoners whose release could clear the way for talks. Some 3,200 people have been invited to the grand assembly, known as a Loya Jirga, in Kabul amid tight security to debate for at least three days and then advise the government on whether the prisoners should be freed. Also read: Pompeo urges key Afghan gathering to free Taliban prisoners As part of a February pact between the United States and the Taliban allowing for the withdrawal of U.S. troops, it was agreed that some 5,000 Taliban prisoners should be released from Afghan jails as a condition for talks between the militants and the U.S.-backed government. The government has released all but some 400 militants it says have been convicted of the worst crimes including killings, drug trafficking and kidnapping. While many Afghans see the peace effort as the best hope for ending the 19-year war with the Taliban, some are concerned about the militants` commitment to reconciliation, especially after the United States completes its troop withdrawal. Also read: Afghan foreign minister says Pakistani terror groups have symbiotic relations with Al Qaeda, IS U.S. special envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad, the architect of the deal allowing the United States to withdraw its forces and end its longest-ever war, warned against the Loya Jirga throwing up any complications. "We wish the jirga participants success ... and urge them not to allow those who prefer the status quo and seek to complicate the path to peace to manipulate the process," Khalilzad said on Twitter. He did not elaborate. Afghanistan’s constitution recognises the Loya Jirga as "the highest manifestation of the will of the people of Afghanistan". The head of its secretariat, Abdul Salam Rahimi, said its decision was necessary as President Ashraf Ghani was not empowered to release prisoners convicted of such serious crimes. He said precautions would be taken to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Afghan grand assembly gathers to decide fate of Taliban prisoners

Afghanistan government is refusing to release Taliban prisoners, and western powers are supporting this decision of the Afghanistan government, citing security issues.

Afghanistan government has decided to not allow the release of hundreds of Taliban prisoners, who are responsible for some of the most violent attacks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/we-have-met-our-part-of-commitment-with-taliban-top-us-commander-307023">Also read|&nbsp;We have met our part of commitment with Taliban: Top US commander</a>

This demand from Taliban is one of the major and last demands from Taliban in resolving the intra-Afghan peace negotiations&nbsp;in Qatar aimed at ending more than 18 years of war in a US-brokered peace process.

"The contentious part right now is the prisoners issue," a senior government source told a media house. Two European diplomats, an Asian diplomat and another Afghan official confirmed his account.

"There are some dangerous Taliban fighters named in the list, and releasing them is literally crossing a red line," said a senior European diplomat.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/afghanistan/afghan-government-taliban-agree-to-doha-as-venue-for-first-peace-talks-306103">Also read|&nbsp;Afghan government, Taliban agree to Doha as venue for first peace talks</a>

"Some NATO members find it extremely uncomfortable to support the release of Taliban prisoners who were behind large-scale suicide attacks on minority groups and on expats."

The Taliban started a withdrawal&nbsp;agreement with the help of the US. However, the talks were delayed as the Taliban group asked 5,000 prisoners to be released, which the Afghanistan government denied.

Sources have revealed that even the US government raised concerns over some of the names in the list of the 5,000 prisoners to be released, as some of them are responsible for violent attacks.&nbsp;NATO and the Afghan government have objected in&nbsp;setting these prisoners free.

The sources said that if all prisoners walked free, including those accused of killing many civilians in some of Afghanistan's bloodiest attacks, it would give the impression the insurgent group had the upper hand over the government while negotiations got under way.

Taliban, however, has declined that the group has asked for release of high-profile prisoners. "There are no such people ... these are just excuses to create barriers against the peace process," said&nbsp;Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid.

Afghanistan has released over 3,000&nbsp; prisoners already, and is ready to release all other prisoners, excusing few hundreds. Taliban, too, has released some prisoners.

Afghanistan government is refusing to release Taliban prisoners, and western powers are supporting this decision of the Afghanistan government, citing security issues.

Afghanistan government is refusing to release Taliban prisoners, and western powers are supporting this decision of the Afghanistan government, citing security issues. Afghanistan government has decided to not allow the release of hundreds of Taliban prisoners, who are responsible for some of the most violent attacks. Also read| We have met our part of commitment with Taliban: Top US commander This demand from Taliban is one of the major and last demands from Taliban in resolving the intra-Afghan peace negotiations in Qatar aimed at ending more than 18 years of war in a US-brokered peace process. "The contentious part right now is the prisoners issue," a senior government source told a media house. Two European diplomats, an Asian diplomat and another Afghan official confirmed his account. "There are some dangerous Taliban fighters named in the list, and releasing them is literally crossing a red line," said a senior European diplomat. Also read| Afghan government, Taliban agree to Doha as venue for first peace talks "Some NATO members find it extremely uncomfortable to support the release of Taliban prisoners who were behind large-scale suicide attacks on minority groups and on expats." The Taliban started a withdrawal agreement with the help of the US. However, the talks were delayed as the Taliban group asked 5,000 prisoners to be released, which the Afghanistan government denied. Sources have revealed that even the US government raised concerns over some of the names in the list of the 5,000 prisoners to be released, as some of them are responsible for violent attacks. NATO and the Afghan government have objected in setting these prisoners free. The sources said that if all prisoners walked free, including those accused of killing many civilians in some of Afghanistan's bloodiest attacks, it would give the impression the insurgent group had the upper hand over the government while negotiations got under way. Taliban, however, has declined that the group has asked for release of high-profile prisoners. "There are no such people ... these are just excuses to create barriers against the peace process," said Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid. Afghanistan has released over 3,000 prisoners already, and is ready to release all other prisoners, excusing few hundreds. Taliban, too, has released some prisoners.

Western powers support Afghanistan's decision to not release Taliban prisoners

Afghan authorities freed hundreds more Taliban prisoners on Tuesday, as calls grew for the militants to extend a ceasefire on its third and final day.

The historic pause in fighting, only the second in nearly 19 years of war, has mostly held across Afghanistan, providing a rare respite from the conflict's grinding violence.

Authorities said they had released about 900 Taliban prisoners across the country on Tuesday, approximately 600 of them from the notorious Bagram jail near Kabul.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-government-frees-2000-taliban-prisoners-during-ceasefire-301022" hreflang="en">Afghan government frees 2,000 Taliban prisoners during ceasefire</a>

The release is part of a pledge by the Afghan government to free up to 2,000 insurgent prisoners in response to the Taliban's three-day ceasefire offer, which began Sunday to mark the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr.

Each former prisoner was given the equivalent of about $65 in Afghan currency. The buses they had boarded at the prison dropped them in Kabul, where they bid goodbyes to each other and took taxis to their homes.

The release of 900 prisoners marked "good progress," Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen said on Twitter.

He added the group will free a "remarkable" number of Afghan security force personnel, but did not specify when.

Afghan authorities hoped the Taliban would extend the ceasefire so delayed peace talks with the insurgents could begin, National Security Council spokesman Javid Faisal said.

Afghan authorities freed hundreds more Taliban prisoners on Tuesday, as calls grew for the militants to extend a ceasefire on its third and final day. The historic pause in fighting, only the second in nearly 19 years of war, has mostly held across Afghanistan, providing a rare respite from the conflict's grinding violence.

Afghan authorities freed hundreds more Taliban prisoners on Tuesday, as calls grew for the militants to extend a ceasefire on its third and final day. The historic pause in fighting, only the second in nearly 19 years of war, has mostly held across Afghanistan, providing a rare respite from the conflict's grinding violence. Authorities said they had released about 900 Taliban prisoners across the country on Tuesday, approximately 600 of them from the notorious Bagram jail near Kabul. Also read: Afghan government frees 2,000 Taliban prisoners during ceasefire The release is part of a pledge by the Afghan government to free up to 2,000 insurgent prisoners in response to the Taliban's three-day ceasefire offer, which began Sunday to mark the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr. Each former prisoner was given the equivalent of about $65 in Afghan currency. The buses they had boarded at the prison dropped them in Kabul, where they bid goodbyes to each other and took taxis to their homes. The release of 900 prisoners marked "good progress," Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen said on Twitter. He added the group will free a "remarkable" number of Afghan security force personnel, but did not specify when. Afghan authorities hoped the Taliban would extend the ceasefire so delayed peace talks with the insurgents could begin, National Security Council spokesman Javid Faisal said.

Afghan government frees 900 Taliban prisoners on last day of truce