A chance for a ceasefire. China reconciles Pakistan and Afghanistan

The governments of Pakistan and Afghanistan have resumed peace talks in China, the AP reported on Wednesday. The Middle Kingdom is mediating between the two sides to negotiate a permanent ceasefire after more than a month of fighting.

According to sources who spoke on condition of anonymity, the latest round of talks began after both sides accepted China's mediation offer. Representatives of both countries met in the city of Urumqi, in the Xinjiang region in the north-west of the People's Republic of China. The talks are aimed at ending the fighting, the agency reported.

Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not confirm or deny these reportswhile China did not comment on the matter.

Tension in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations increased significantly in February when Armed clashes broke out between the armies of both countriesh. Since then, over 300 civilians and several dozen military personnel have been killed in Afghanistan, and in Pakistan, attacks by the Afghan army have claimed the lives of several civilians and a dozen or so soldiers.

The cause of tensions between the countries is the accusation of the authorities in Islamabad that Kabul supports Islamist fighters who carry out attacks in Pakistan. The Afghan side argues that such allegations are baseless and that acts of violence on Pakistani territory are an internal matter of that country. (PAP)

mgp/rtt/