Important that prisoners released responsibly: US on Baradar

Ahead of the release of former Afghan Taliban deputy chief Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar from Pakistan, the United States has said that it is important that coordination between Islamabad and Kabul takes place to ensure that any such releases are done in a responsible manner.
"The release of Taliban prisoners, including Baradar, has been a matter of ongoing discussion between Pakistan and Afghanistan in order to promote peace as part of this reconciliation process," said State Department Deputy Spokesperson Marie Harf yesterday.
Pakistan yesterday announced it will release Baradar today, meeting a long-standing demand of Afghan President Hamid Karzai to advance peace efforts in the war-ravaged country.

"Obviously, it's important that coordination between Pakistan and Afghanistan takes place to ensure that any releases are done in a responsible manner," Harf said.
Baradar has been in the custody of Pakistani security agencies since his capture in Karachi in 2010. He will be the highest ranking Afghan Taliban prisoner freed so far.
His release was personally sought by Karzai during a recent visit to Islamabad. Analysts are sceptical whether Baradar will be able to influence the peace process, but the Afghan government thinks he could lead talks with the High Peace Council.