KABUL (Pajhwok): Amid high levels of violence in the country, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has met Afghan government and Taliban negotiators in Doha.
Pompeo also held talks with Qatar’s ruler Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani in the capital of the Gulf state, which hosts the Taliban’s political office.
Al-Jazeera quoted the US diplomat as saying ahead of his meeting with the Afghan government team: “I would be most interested in getting your thoughts on how we can increase the probability of a successful outcome.”
The first direct peace talks between Kabul and Taliban began on September 12 in Doha. The negotiations, however, have stalled over disagreements about the agenda and the framework for discussions.
The secretary of state said the Trump administration would “sit on the side and help where we can”.
Pompeo also met Doha-based Taliban negotiators on ways of reigning in violence in Afghanistan, said a statement from State Department spokesperson Cale Brown.
The secretary encouraged expedited discussions to develop a political road map, leading to a permanent ceasefire in the war-devastated country.
On Saturday, the visiting US dignitary met UAE Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Doha. He also met Qatar’s ruler Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, the deputy prime minister.
PAN Monitor/mud
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