Tuesday August 6, 2019
Kabul (BNA) US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad Monday claimed “excellent progress” in talks with the Taliban in Qatar.
Khalilzad tweeted that the eighth round of talks between U.S. and Taliban negotiators in the Qatari capital, Doha, “focused on the remaining issues in completing a potential deal with the Taliban that would allow for a conditions-based troop withdrawal.”
“My team & Taliban representatives will continue to discuss technical details as well as steps and mechanisms required for a successful implementation of the four-part agreement we’ve been working toward since my appointment. Agreement on these details is essential,” Khalilzad wrote on twitter.
Taliban sources say, both sides have agreed to reduce the level of violence after they sign the peace deal. But Taliban say a formal ceasefire would be announced at the conclusion of intra-Afghan dialogue.
The talks are planned in Norway within two weeks after both formally announce peace deal.
Taliban were confident earlier to reach deal before Eid-ul-Azha. However, it now seems difficult as Taliban want presence of representatives of Russia and China during the signing of agreement.
Meanwhile, Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen has clarified that no country or representatives of other countries are participating in the talks. He tweeted that only Qatar is participating in the talks.
M.A.Ansari
