KABUL - Afghanistan was set on Thursday to sign a draft peace agreement with notorious warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, paving the way for his political return despite a history of war crimes and after years in hiding. The deal with Afghanistan's second-biggest militant group marks a symbolic victory for President Ashraf Ghani, who has struggled to revive peace talks with the more powerful Taliban. The government said an "initial draft agreement" would be signed on Thursday by Hekmatyar's delegation and Afghanistan's High Peace Council (HPC), responsible for reconciliation efforts with militants. "This peace agreement will be implemented after it is formally signed by President Ashraf Ghani and Gulbuddin Hekmatyar," it added, without specifying a date. According to an initial draft agreement seen by AFP, the government will offer Hekmatyar legal immunity in "all past political and military proceedings" as well as release Hezb-i-Islami prisoners.

Source: Bangkok Post September 22, 2016 06:45 UTC