<p><a href="/en/afganistan/kabul" class="glossify-link">KABUL</a> (Pajhwok): President Ashraf Ghani and US special representative for Afghan peace Zalmay Khalilzad have agreed on a new mechanism to advance the reconciliation process.</p>
<p>Presidential spokesman Haroon Chakhansouri, addressing a press conference said Ghani and Khalilzad had conferred on a wide range of issues around the Afghan peace process.</p>
<p>Under the new mechanism agreed with Khalilzad, actions would be taken based on the framework to advance the peace process, Chakhansouri promised.</p>
<p>On the Afghan-led peace process, he suggested the situation in Islamic countries should be considered and further talks should take place on a new framework.</p>
<p>Khalilzad said a day earlier they had discussed four issues -- <a href="/en/taliban" class="glossify-link">Taliban</a>’s relations with Al Qaeda, the presence of US troops, direct talks with the Afghan government and a nationwide ceasefire in several meetings with the Taliban.</p>
<p>He called a ceasefire and direct talks with the Afghan government were the most important issues. All issues are inter-related and the Afghan government should have a central role in decisions in this regard.</p>
<p>Chakhansuri added there was regional and international consensus and efforts were being made to strengthen it in order to enhance the role of regional countries in Afghan-led talks.</p>
<p>He said Khalilzad was expected to meet Taliban representatives on February 25 in Qatar. The Afghan negotiating team would take part if Taliban agree on direct talks with the government.</p>
<p>Chakhansouri confirmed amendments to electoral law had been made after an agreement with political parties, movements, presidential candidates and civil <a href="/en/society" class="glossify-link">society</a> activists.</p>
<p>The spokesman said preparations were underway for elections, promising presidential, provincial council and district council polls would be held on schedule.</p>
<p>Sa</p>
