Khalilzad briefs Ghani on Qatar talks with Taliban

KABUL representatives in Qatar, a statement said Monday.

The statement from the Presidential Palace in Kabul said the US envoy briefed the Afghan leader on his efforts for an Afghan-owned and led peace process and his recent meetings with Taliban representatives in Qatar.

Khalilzad said the US efforts for an intra-Afghan dialogue would continue.  “The US and the international community want peace. I think there is an opportunity for reconciliation and peace as all the stakeholders want peace,” he said.

He reiterated that the US fully respected the people and laws of Afghanistan and presidential elections would take place in line with the determination of Afghans and the US was ready to support and help.

President Ghani hailed Khalilzad’s efforts for reconciliation in Afghanistan and said peace was the need of Afghans and the government was ready for intra-Afghan dialogue.

Referring to his recent meetings with political leaders, civil society activists, the president said the people of Afghanistan wanted a prompt beginning of intra-Afghan negotiation for peace and stability in the country.

President Ashraf Ghani and Zalmay Khalilzad have launched their separate meetings with key Afghan figures on the reconciliation process in Afghanistan.

Khalilzad would soon travel to Pakistan and Russia to discuss peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan.

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