Beijing Meeting Not Direct Negotiations: Sediqqi

Afghan presidential spokesman says that the Beijing conference is a dialogue not negotiations and it can facilitate the direct talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban. He, however, did not give details about Khalilzad’s meeting with President Ghani.

Afghan presidential spokesman says that the Beijing conference is a dialogue not negotiations and it can facilitate the direct talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban. He, however, did not give details about Khalilzad’s meeting with President Ghani.
The presidential spokesman Seddiq Sediqqi said at a press conference in Kabul that he will provide details of Zalmay Khalilzad and President Ghani’s meeting later, but added that Afghanistan had outlined a roadmap and plan for peace to Mr Khalilzad.

The presidential spokesman confirmed that the Beijing conference was planned in agreement with Kabul.
“Representatives of the Afghan government will attend the meeting, but no list has been arranged by the government so far,” he added.

According to him, the shortest way to reach peace is direct talks with a ceasefire as preconditions.
“Afghan Government hopes its roadmap for peace would be approved and agreed by regional countries and international partners,” he continued.
Zalmay Khalilzad, however, has started a new round of trips for talks with the Taliban and a new round of talks between the US and the Taliban is expected to begin soon.