Ceasefire to be discussed during intra-Afghan talks: Shaheen

KABUL’s Political Office Spokesperson Sohail Shaheen on Sunday said the element of ceasefire would be discussed during intra-Afghan talks with Afghan delegation.

During an exclusive chat with Pajhwok Afghan News Shaheen said the eighth round of talks with US delegation began on Saturday and may last for few days.

He hoped the two sides may reach and agreed accord in this round and everything could be finalized.

He said currently talks were underway over the pullout of foreign and NATO.

“They have the demand that Afghanistan’s land shall not be used against the US and its allies and we will not allow anyone to use areas under the Taliban control against anyone else,” he said.

US special envoy for peace in Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad had been in Kabul for the last 10 days before leaving for Qatar. During his stay in Kabul, Khalilzad met six times with President Ashraf Ghani and CEO Abdullah Abdullah.

Before departing for Doha, the US envoy said his trip to Kabul had been the most productive since he took charge as the US special representative for reconciliation in Afghanistan.

Two days back, Khalilzad briefed Pakistan civil and military leaders on developments in the Afghan peace process and Islamabad’s role in this regard.

The special envoy called on Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, Chief of Army Staff Gen Qamar Bajwa and discussed with them Imran Khan’s Washington visit and what comes next. “I briefed them on #AfghanPeaceProcess,” Khalilzad tweeted.

Sa/nh