Afghan govt hails progress in latest US-Taliban talks

KABUL and counterterrorism, the Afghan government hoped the way for intra-Afghan talks would be also opened.

A fifth round of negotiations between the US and Taliban representatives was concluded after 16 days of discussions in Doha, the capital of Qatar, on Tuesday.

US special representative for Afghan peace Zalmay Khalilzad on Tuesday said that both sides agreed over a draft about US troops’ withdrawal from Afghanistan and counterterrorism assurances.

The envoy wrote on his social account that “peace requires agreement on four issues: counter-terrorism assurances, troop withdrawal, intra-Afghan dialogue, and a comprehensive ceasefire.”

In January talks, he said we “agreed in principle” on these four elements. We’re now “agreed in draft” on the first two.”

“When the agreement in draft about a withdrawal timeline and effective counterterrorism measures is finalized, the Taliban and other Afghans, including the government, will begin intra-Afghan negotiations on a political settlement and comprehensive ceasefire,” Khalilzad tweeted.

He said his next step was to discuss in Washington and consult with other partners. “We will meet again soon, and there is no final agreement until everything is agreed.” Khalilzad added.

The Taliban also released a statement about the fifth round negotiations with US representatives.

“In this round of negotiations, two issues which were agreed upon in January were discussed in details, these issues include withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan and preventing anyone from using Afghanistan soil against any country,” the statement said.

Haroon Chakhansori, spokesman to the president, turned to his Facebook page and appreciated the US efforts for peace in Afghanistan.

He said the Afghan government hoped a long-term ceasefire would be agreed and the ground for direct government-Taliban talks would be paved in near future.

mds/ma

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