US influence: Afghan peace negotiations run into snags

KABUL have reportedly hit snags, following the insurgents’ objection to America’s influence on the process.

A Pakistani newspaper reported on Friday: “Taliban are of the view the indirect dialogue process is being influenced by the US, as Kabul wants them to call off the spring offensive…”

The Express Tribune quoted unnamed sources familiar with the indirect as saying the US — fearing a strong Taliban offensive in April — was desperate to see peace between Kabul and the rebel movement.

It added: “The US fears are based on the reports that Taliban have devised a strategy to launch a well-planned offensive against the US forces in various parts of the country.”

According to the daily, the fighters had entered into indirect talks with Kabul on condition that the entire process would be Afghan-led and Afghan-owned, but the Taliban have taken exception to US interference.

Taliban’s demand for a sizeable share in the government, a process that requires constitutional amendments, is said to be another reason for the slow-paced negotiations.

Given the issues raised by the Taliban, the newspaper said, the launch of direct talks with the Afghan government might be delayed.

mud

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