Taliban don’t seem to be ready for peace talks: US

WASHINGTON (Pajhwok): The Taliban do not seem to be ready for peace talks, the Trump administration said on Tuesday, making it clear such talks had to be Afghan-led and Afghan-owned.

In a way, the Trump administration ruled out direct negotiations, something sought by the insurgent outfit in an open letter to the American people and lawmakers.

“We certainly saw this letter and are aware of it. Any peace talks with Afghanistan have to be Afghan-led and Afghan-owned. That has long been our policy,” the State Department spokesperson said.

Heather Nauert told reporters at her daily news conference: “The Taliban, unfortunately, don’t seem ready at this point to sit down and have conversations about peace talks.

“We hope eventually they will, because that is the best way to be able to have peace in Afghanistan,” Nauert said, responding to a question on the letter.

“Ultimately, we don't see there being a military solution to the situation in Afghanistan. Ultimately, it has to be a political situation, a political solution,” she added.

“And that can best be done, if the Taliban are willing to sit down and have talks. Certainly, the US government could have a role in that. But that's really up to Afghanistan,” Nauert concluded.

mud