Peace talks; US, Taliban Made some Agreements
After elapse of 16-day breath-taking talks between Americans and Taliban delegation in Doha, they have “agreed in draft” on counter-terrorism assurance and probably troops withdrawal.
After elapse of 16-day breath-taking talks between Americans and Taliban delegation in Doha, they have “agreed in draft” on counter-terrorism assurance and probably troops withdrawal.
“It’s clear all sides want to end the war. Despite ups and downs, we kept things on track and made real strides,” US special representative on Afghan peace Zalmay Khalilzad twitted. “Peace requires agreement on four issues: counter-terrorism assurances, troop withdrawal, intra-Afghan dialogue, and a comprehensive ceasefire,” he added.
In January, US-Taliban delegations “agreed in principle” on the four key issues.
“We’re now “agreed in draft” on the first two (counter-terrorism assurance and troop withdrawal),” said Khalilzad.
When the agreement in draft about a withdrawal timeline and effective counterterrorism measures is finalized, the Taliban will begin intra-Afghan negotiations on a political settlement and comprehensive ceasefire.
My next step is discussions in Washington and consultations with other partners. We will meet again soon, and there is no final agreement until everything is agreed.
“This round of talks saw extensive and detailed discussions taking place regarding two issues that were agreed upon during January talks,” Zabihullah Mujahid, who introduces himself as Taliban spokesman said in a statement.
“Those two issues were the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Afghanistan and preventing anyone from harming others from Afghan soil,”
Now, both sides will deliberate over the achieved progress, share it with their respective leaderships and prepare for the upcoming meeting.
