Afghan president to issue decree on Taleban prisoner release

Decree will permit the release of old, ageing Taleban prisoners.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani will issue a decree for at least 1,000 Taleban prisoners to be released this week, five official sources said on Monday, paving the way for opening direct talks between the Afghan government and the Taleban insurgents.

Two Afghan sources said the decree will permit the release of old, ageing Taleban prisoners, a decision that comes hours after Ghani was sworn in as president for a second term.

The Taleban wants Ghani to release 5,000 prisoners as a pre-condition to hold talks with the Afghan government.

Source ; News Agencies