The United Nations Security Council dropped sanctions against Afghan strongman Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, potentially paving the way for the warlord to return openly to Afghanistan.

 

 The Afghan government requested the move as part of a peace deal with Hekmatyar and his militant group, Hezb-i-Islami, in September.

 

 The deal was criticized by some Afghans and human rights groups for the pardon it granted to Hekmatyar and many of his fighters.

 

 While playing only a small role in the current insurgent conflict in Afghanistan, Hekmatyar was a major figure during the bloody civil war of the 1990s, when he was accused of indiscriminately firing rockets into Kabul, as well as other human rights abuses.

 

 In removing Hekmatyar from the list of people sanctioned for their ties with the Al Qaeda, the Islamic State and other militant groups, the UN unfroze his assets, and dropped a travel ban and arms embargo against him.

 

 Hekmatyar's whereabouts have been unknown since he signed the peace deal with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani in September via a pre-recorded video from an undisclosed location.

 

 With the UN sanctions now removed, government officials expect Hekmatyar to eventually return to the Afghan capital, despite the continued controversy.

 

 Many foreign governments, including the US, praised the accord at the time as a step toward wider peace in Afghanistan. </s> The United Nations Security Council has dropped sanctions against Afghan strongman Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, potentially paving the way for the notorious warlord to return openly to Afghanistan.

The Afghan government requested the move as part of a peace deal with Hekmatyar and his militant group, Hezb-i-Islami, in September.

The deal was criticised by some Afghans and human rights groups for the pardon it granted to Hekmatyar and many of his fighters.

While playing only a small role in the current insurgent conflict in Afghanistan, Hekmatyar was a major figure during the bloody civil war of the 1990s, when he was accused of indiscriminately firing rockets into Kabul, as well as other human rights abuses.

The Afghan government welcomed the UN's decision made on Friday as a "a major step toward peace and stability in Afghanistan," said Mohammad Akram Khpalwak, a political advisor for President Ashraf Ghani.

"This was a demand of the people and government of Afghanistan," he told Reuters on Saturday. "It is a major step for the peace process between Hezb-i-Islami and the government of Afghanistan."

In removing Hekmatyar from the list of people sanctioned for their ties to al-Qaeda, Islamic State, and other militant groups, the UN unfroze his assets, and dropped a travel ban and arms embargo against him.

Hekmatyar's whereabouts have been unknown since he signed the peace deal with Ghani in September via a prerecorded video from an undisclosed location.

With the UN sanctions now removed, government officials expect Hekmatyar to eventually return to the Afghan capital, despite the continued controversy.

Many foreign governments, including the United States, praised the accord at the time as a step toward wider peace in Afghanistan. </s> KABUL: The United Nations Security Council has dropped sanctions against Afghan strongman Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, potentially paving the way for the notorious warlord to return openly to Afghanistan.

The Afghan government requested the move as part of a peace deal with Hekmatyar and his militant group, Hezb-i-Islami, in September. The deal was criticised by some Afghans and human rights groups for the pardon it granted to Hekmatyar and many of his fighters.

While playing only a small role in the current insurgent conflict in Afghanistan, Hekmatyar was a major figure during the bloody civil war of the 1990s, when he was accused of indiscriminately firing rockets into Kabul, as well as other human rights abuses. The Afghan government welcomed the UN’s decision made on Friday as "a major step toward peace and stability in Afghanistan," said Mohammad Akram Khpalwak, a political adviser for President Ashraf Ghani. "This was a demand of the people and government of Afghanistan," he told Reuters on Saturday. "It is a major step for the peace process between Hezb-i-Islami and the government of Afghanistan." In removing Hekmatyar from the list of people sanctioned for their ties to al-Qaeda, Islamic State, and other militant groups, the UN unfroze his assets, and dropped a travel ban and arms embargo against him.

Hekmatyar’s whereabouts have been unknown since he signed the peace deal with Ghani in September via a prerecorded video from an undisclosed location. With the UN sanctions now removed, government officials expect Hekmatyar to eventually return to the Afghan capital, despite the continued controversy. Many foreign governments, including the United States, praised the accord at the time as a step toward wider peace in Afghanistan.

UN lifts sanctions on Hekmatyar was posted in Top Story of TheNews International - https://www.thenews.com.pk on February 05, 2017 and was last updated on February 05, 2017. This news story is related to Print/184195-UN-lifts-sanctions-on-Hekmatyar/ - breaking news, latest news, pakistan ne. Permanent link to the news story "UN lifts sanctions on Hekmatyar" is https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/184195-UN-lifts-sanctions-on-Hekmatyar. </s> KABUL: The United Nations Security Council on Friday dropped sanctions against Afghan strongman Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, potentially paving the way for the notorious warlord to return openly to Afghanistan.

The Afghan government requested the move as part of a peace deal with Hekmatyar and his militant group, Hezb-i-Islami, in September.

The deal was criticised by some Afghans and human rights groups for the pardon it granted to Hekmatyar and many of his fighters.

While playing only a small role in the current insurgent conflict in Afghanistan, Hekmatyar was a major figure during the bloody civil war of the 1990s, when he was accused of indiscriminately firing rockets into Kabul, as well as other human rights abuses.

Spokespeople for Hekmatyar and the Afghan government were not immediately available to comment.

In removing Hekmatyar from the list of people sanctioned for their ties to al-Qaeda, Islamic State, and other militant groups, the U.N. unfroze his assets, and dropped a travel ban and arms embargo against him.

Hekmatyar's whereabouts have been unknown since he signed the peace deal with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani in September via a prerecorded video from an undisclosed location.

With the U.N. sanctions now removed, government officials expect Hekmatyar to eventually return to the Afghan capital, despite the continued controversy.

Many foreign governments, including the United States, praised the accord at the time as a step toward wider peace in Afghanistan. </s> Alwaght- The United Nations has dropped a series of sanctions against one of the most nutritious warlords in Afghanistan on Friday.

Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, is now allowed to freely return to Afghanistan as the move could potentially pave the way for his appearance in Afghan political scene.

Hekmatyar was sanctioned for his connections to the al-Qaeda, ISIS and other terrorist groups and now by the removal of those sanctions, the UN unfroze his assets, and dropped a travel ban and arms embargo against him.

The Afghan government requested the move as part of a peace deal with Hekmatyar and his militant group, Hezb-i-Islami, in September.

Based on the deal, the warlord and his militants were granted a comprehensive state pardon that hugely criticized by some Afghans and human rights groups.

While playing only a small role in the current insurgent conflict in Afghanistan, Hekmatyar was a major figure during the bloody civil war of the 1990s, when he was accused of indiscriminately firing rockets into Kabul, as well as other human rights abuses.

Hekmatyar's whereabouts have been unknown since he signed the peace deal with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani in September via a prerecorded video from an undisclosed location.

With the UN sanctions now removed, government officials expect Hekmatyar to eventually return to the Afghan capital, despite the continued controversy. </s> KABUL: The United Nations Security Council on Friday dropped sanctions against Afghan strongman Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, potentially paving the way for his return openly to Afghanistan.

The Afghan government requested the move as part of a peace deal with Hekmatyar and his group, Hezb-i-Islami, in September.

The deal was criticised by some Afghans and human rights groups for the pardon it granted to Hekmatyar and many of his fighters.

While playing only a small role in the current insurgent conflict in Afghanistan, Hekmatyar was a major figure during the bloody civil war of the 1990s, when he was accused of indiscriminately firing rockets into Kabul, as well as other human rights abuses.

Spokespeople for Hekmatyar and the Afghan government were not immediately available to comment.

In removing Hekmatyar from the list of people sanctioned for their ties to al-Qaeda, Islamic State, and other militant groups, the U.N. unfroze his assets, and dropped a travel ban and arms embargo against him.

Hekmatyar´s whereabouts have been unknown since he signed the peace deal with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani in September via a prerecorded video from an undisclosed location. With the U.N. sanctions now removed, government officials expect Hekmatyar to eventually return to the Afghan capital, despite the continued controversy.

Many foreign governments, including the United States, praised the accord at the time as a step toward wider peace in Afghanistan.

U.N. Security Council lifts sanctions on Gulbuddin Hekmatyar was posted in World of TheNews International - https://www.thenews.com.pk on February 04, 2017 and was last updated on February 04, 2017. This news story is related to Latest/183988-UN-Security-Council-lifts-sanctions-Gulbuddin-Hekmatyar/ - breaking news, latest news, pakistan ne. Permanent link to the news story "U.N. Security Council lifts sanctions on Gulbuddin Hekmatyar" is https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/183988-UN-Security-Council-lifts-sanctions-Gulbuddin-Hekmatyar. </s> KABUL (Reuters) - The United Nations Security Council has dropped sanctions against Afghan strongman Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, potentially paving the way for the notorious warlord to return openly to Afghanistan.

A screen shows the broadcast of Gulbuddin Hekmatyar during a signing ceremony with Afghan government at the presidential palace in Kabul, Afghanistan September 29, 2016. REUTERS/ Omar Sobhani - RTSPZKX

The Afghan government requested the move as part of a peace deal with Hekmatyar and his militant group, Hezb-i-Islami, in September.

The deal was criticized by some Afghans and human rights groups for the pardon it granted to Hekmatyar and many of his fighters.

While playing only a small role in the current insurgent conflict in Afghanistan, Hekmatyar was a major figure during the bloody civil war of the 1990s, when he was accused of indiscriminately firing rockets into Kabul, as well as other human rights abuses.

The Afghan government welcomed the U.N.’s decision made on Friday as a “a major step toward peace and stability in Afghanistan,” said Mohammad Akram Khpalwak, a political advisor for President Ashraf Ghani.

“This was a demand of the people and government of Afghanistan,” he told Reuters on Saturday. “It is a major step for the peace process between Hezb-i-Islami and the government of Afghanistan.”

In removing Hekmatyar from the list of people sanctioned for their ties to al-Qaeda, Islamic State, and other militant groups, the U.N. unfroze his assets, and dropped a travel ban and arms embargo against him.

Hekmatyar’s whereabouts have been unknown since he signed the peace deal with Ghani in September via a prerecorded video from an undisclosed location.

With the U.N. sanctions now removed, government officials expect Hekmatyar to eventually return to the Afghan capital, despite the continued controversy.

Many foreign governments, including the United States, praised the accord at the time as a step toward wider peace in Afghanistan. </s> KABUL, Feb 4 (Reuters) - The United Nations Security Council has dropped sanctions against Afghan strongman Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, potentially paving the way for the notorious warlord to return openly to Afghanistan.

The Afghan government requested the move as part of a peace deal with Hekmatyar and his militant group, Hezb-i-Islami, in September.

The deal was criticised by some Afghans and human rights groups for the pardon it granted to Hekmatyar and many of his fighters.

While playing only a small role in the current insurgent conflict in Afghanistan, Hekmatyar was a major figure during the bloody civil war of the 1990s, when he was accused of indiscriminately firing rockets into Kabul, as well as other human rights abuses.

The Afghan government welcomed the U.N.'s decision made on Friday as a "a major step toward peace and stability in Afghanistan," said Mohammad Akram Khpalwak, a political advisor for President Ashraf Ghani.

"This was a demand of the people and government of Afghanistan," he told Reuters on Saturday. "It is a major step for the peace process between Hezb-i-Islami and the government of Afghanistan."

In removing Hekmatyar from the list of people sanctioned for their ties to al-Qaeda, Islamic State, and other militant groups, the U.N. unfroze his assets, and dropped a travel ban and arms embargo against him.

Hekmatyar's whereabouts have been unknown since he signed the peace deal with Ghani in September via a prerecorded video from an undisclosed location.

With the U.N. sanctions now removed, government officials expect Hekmatyar to eventually return to the Afghan capital, despite the continued controversy.

Many foreign governments, including the United States, praised the accord at the time as a step toward wider peace in Afghanistan. (Reporting by Josh Smith; Editing by Sam Holmes) </s> By Farhad Naibkhel-KABUL: The United Nations Security Council on Friday dropped sanctions against Gulbuddin Hekmatyar the leader of Hezb-e-Islami Afghanistan (HIA), aimed at supporting peace drive in Afghanistan.

As part of peace deal, the Afghan government requested the UN Security Council to remove HIA from black list. The group considered as the second largest armed group in the country.

According to a statement published on 3rd February by the Security Council, a UN committee removed Gulbuddin Hekmatyar’s name from the sanctions list.

According to statement the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning ISIL (Da’esh), Al‑Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities removed the name of HIA leader Hekmatyar from the ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List.

“UN Security Council removed Hekmatyar’s name following request by the Afghan government,” President Ashraf Ghani’s Advisor, Akram Khpalwak told newsmen on Saturday. The call for removal comes after the Afghan government signed a peace deal with HIA.

According to him, the removal is a “sign by the UN Security Council to support peace process” in Afghanistan.

He added that work is going over the fate of HIA prisoners by the Attorney General Office, and the outcome would be shared at the future. He also informed of government preparations to welcome HIA leader in Kabul.

Pointing out to the success of peace deal between government and HIA, Khpalwak called on all armed groups, including Taliban insurgent to shun violence and join peace and reconciliation process.

Peace with HIA was an intra-Afghan process, which supported by all Afghans and International community, he mentioned.

Mohammad Karim Amin, Head of HIA Delegation said, “removal of HIA leader’s name from UN-black list is a positive step toward peace in Afghanistan.” He said that based on peace agreement, removal of HIA leaders from UN-black list was a need. He ensured people that HIA would exert utmost efforts to maintain peace all over the country.

“Removal of HIA leader is a clear sign of UN support for Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation process,” he noted.

Maulawi Abdul Khabir, Deputy for High Peace Council (HPC), while voicing pleasure over removal of HIA leader’s name form UN-black list, said, “this step revealed that the Afghan government is committed for bringing peace and stability in the country.”

“Breakthrough in peace process between government and HIA is a sign showing that Afghans has the capability to resolve their challenges at any condition.”

President Ashraf Ghani and the leader of Hezb-e-Islami Afghanistan, Gulbuddin Hekmatyar in September formally signed peace agreement.

The peace agreement was finalized after nearly two years of formal and non-formal negotiations. The peace draft contains three chapters and 25 articles.

The agreement would facilitate reintegration of the HIA members in political system and dignified return of Afghan refugees from neighboring Pakistan as well as release of the party members from prison.

The HIA committed to accept Constitution of the country and renounce anti-state activities. The party also pledged to end its ties with terrorist outfits.
Per the Afghan government's request, the United Nations drops sanctions against Hezb-e Islami party leader and former Prime Minister Gulbuddin Hekmatyar. This potentially sets up his return to Afghanistan, which is part of the country's peace deal with its second largest militant group, signed in September 2016.