On reconciliation mission, Khalilzad due in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON (Pajhwok): Zalmay Khalilzad, America’s special representative for Afghanistan and three Middle Eastern countries.

Khalilzad will lead an inter-agency delegation to Afghanistan, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Saudi Arabia from October 4 to 14, the State Department said.

“Khalilzad’s mission is to coordinate and lead US efforts to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table. He will do so in close coordination with the Afghan government and other stakeholders, exploring how best to reach a negotiated settlement to the conflict,” the State Department said.      

The trip is Khalilzad’s first following his appointment as special representative and reflects the Trump administration’s intent to support, facilitate and participate in a peace process in Afghanistan.

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