Intra-Afghan Talks; Khalilzad, Gen. Miller Meet President Ghani in Doha
U.S. Special Envoy for Afghan peace process Zalmay Khalilzad and commander of U.S. Forces in Afghanistan General Miller met President Ashraf Ghani in Doha. They discussed the latest on Afghan peace process and the ongoing peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban, says Afghan presidential spokesman.
Sediq Sediqqi, a spokesman for the Presidential Palace twitted Tuesday morning that both sides stressed on the importance of these talks and the peace opportunity for ending the war and bringing an enduring peace.
US envoy Khalilzad also said that he and General Miller discussed the latest on the Afghan peace process.
“I told the President Afghans should not let the opportunity for peace to slip away. He said he supports the Islamic Republic negotiators doing their work as long as it takes. I said I’m encouraged by what I heard from all sides, including the two teams’ commitment to peace,” said Khalilzad. Adding that “the United States supports an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned process and remains ready to assist”.
“We call on all nations, especially the neighbors and other key players, to do the same,” he added.
Referring the increase of violence in Afghanistan, Mr Khalilzad stressed that violence is too high, and too many Afghans are dying.
“We are pressing for a significant reduction in violence that will lead to a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire,” he underlined.
Ambassador Khalilzad also affirmed the ongoing U.S. support to Afghanistan, US partnership, and a peace process meant to produce a political settlement and an end to decades of war.
The meeting comes as President Ghani is on a two-day official visit from Qatar where he will discuss boosting bilateral relations and economic development.
