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Peace deal with Hekmatyar-led Islamic party to be finalized soon: Afghan president

Xinhua, September 12, 2016 Adjust font size:

The ongoing peace efforts to reach agreement with the Hekmatyar-led Islamic Party the Hizb-e-Islami would soon be finalized to bolster the national reconciliation in the militancy-plagued Afghanistan, Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani said in his message to congratulate Eidul Adha, the Muslims largest annual festival celebrated on Monday.

"The much-awaited peace deal with Hizb-e-Islami would soon be finalized and we are hopeful to be the witness of ending the war, returning lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan," president Ghani said after offering Eidul Adha prayer here in Presidential Palace.

Peace talks between Hizb-e-Islami and the delegation of the government-backed peace body the High Peace Council (HPC) have been continuing over the past more than a year.

The radical Islamic party Hizb-e-Islami led by Gulbudin Hekmatyar is the third strongest insurgent groups in terms of fighting power after Taliban and Islamic State groups, has been fighting the Afghan government and the U.S.-led coalition forces in Afghanistan.

However, key leaders of the Hekmatyar-led Islamic party have already deserted the party rank and joined the government.

Afghan political observers believe that Hekmatyar-led group joining the peace process even though can't end the war in the war-riddled country can encourage other militants to follow the step and help reduce militancy in the country.

Afghan president in his speech also congratulated all Afghans and Muslims across the globe over Eidul Adha and wished to celebrate the day in peaceful environment.

Afghans have celebrated the Eidul Adha, the largest annual religious festival amid tight security and no untoward incident has been reported. Endit