Beijing calls for Kabul-Taliban negotiations on ending war

PESHAWAR (Pajhwok): Beijing has underlined the imperative of direct negotiations between Kabul.

Lijian Zhao, China’s deputy ambassador in Islamabad, called for a negotiated end to the war in Afghanistan. The diplomat suggested a political settlement.  

Warning the US against an abrupt troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, he urged collective international efforts to help initiate a peace process between the warring parties.

There have been unconfirmed media reports suggesting President Donald Trump has ordered pulling out half of the more than 14,000 US troops from the conflict-devastated country.

Speaking to a Pakistani TV channel, the envoy said: “The US has been in Afghanistan for 17 years. If they are leaving the country, they should try to leave in a gradual and a responsible way.

Pakistan, China, and other immediate neighbours would be the worst sufferers if the US drawdown triggered a civil strife in Afghanistan, the deputy ambassador said.

mud