Release of Guantanamo prisoners revives hopes for peace talks: Afghan official

The release of five senior Taliban detainees from Guantanamo in exchange for that of American soldier Bowe Bergdahl bodes well for the resumption of peace talks, a senior member of Afghanistan's High Peace Council said Sunday.

A group of detainees in Guantanamo Bay. (File: Getty)

"I think it shows all sides goodwill for trust building and start of the peace talks in near future," Ismail Qasimyar told AFP.

   

"Especially it shows the government of Afghanistan's commitment toward peace talks. We are very optimistic that the release of these senior Taliban will help the peace process,"

   

He said that the council together with the Afghan government had been part of the negotiations for a long time.

   

"In fact, a member of the national security council of Afghanistan went to Guantanamo to seek the possibility of releasing senior Taliban around 10 months ago," he said.

   

The High Peace Council is a government body which was created by President Hamid Karzai to negotiate with the Taliban for peace after their ouster in 2001.

   

It was initially headed by Burhanuddin Rabbani, a founder of the mujahideen movement and former president, until he was assassinated in 2011. It is now led by his son Salahuddin.