Thread by @JJSchroden

The #Taliban political spokesman (@IeaOffice) live tweeted Mullah Baradar’s speech at the opening session of the #Afghanistan peace talks—THREAD.

“Speech by Mullah Baradar Akhund, Political Deputy of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and Head of the Political Office” 1/n

“Praise and peace” 2/n

“Welcome attendees” 3/n

“The Islamic Emirate is bound by the agreement with the United States” 4/n

“The United States strongly demands the same” 5/n

“Inter-Afghan negotiating teams should be encouraged to conduct their discussions in the light of the values of the sacred religion of Islam and the country's higher issues.” 6/n

“Achieving this great goal should not be sacrificed to the personal interests of groups and individuals.” 7/n

“The Islamic Emirate of #Afghanistan assures its afflicted and mujahid nation that it will strive during the negotiations to pave the way for a peaceful and prosperous life for its Muslim and mujahid nation.” 8/n

“Assures the international community that it will do its utmost to bring about a positive outcome to the inter-Afghan talks.” 9/n

“We want an independent, united and prosperous #Afghanistan.” 10/n

“We want #Afghanistan to have an Islamic system in which all twelve peoples see themselves without any discrimination and live in harmony with one another in an atmosphere of brotherhood.” 11/n

“We want #Afghanistan to have positive relations with its neighbors and the rest of the world in the future.” 12/n

“Finally to the Emir of #Qatar. I thank the government and the people for their full cooperation with us on peace.” 13/n

“These were the key points of Mullah Sahib Baradar’s speech.” 14/14

Adding a link to @SecPompeo’s speech here also. I haven’t yet seen a text for @DrabdullahCE’s speech but will link to it if/when I do.