WASHINGTON (Pajhwok): The United States has decided not to participate in the Russia hosted international meeting on Afghanistan.
“The United States does not plan to participate in the April 14 regional talks on Afghanistan organized by the Russian government, though we do support regional efforts to support the Afghan government and build support for a peaceful outcome in Afghanistan,” a State Department spokesperson told Pajhwok Afghan News in an interview.
“Going forward, we intend to work with Russia and the other key regional stakeholders to enhance dialogue on Afghanistan,” the official said.
“Regional states should take steps to significantly increase their contributions to support the Afghan government and an Afghan peace process,” he argued.
According to State Department spokesman, it is vital that all states in the region form a unified front that makes clear that peace talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government were the only way to end the conflict, and that the Taliban have no viable alternative but to enter into direct talks with the Afghan government to achieve its goals.
“The United States is prepared to do our part in fostering direct talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban,” said the State Department Spokesman.
