Extended US-Taliban peace talks in Qatar raise Afghan hopes

Talks between US and Taliban officials in Qatar have now gone on for four days with the two sides trying to establish a mechanism for a ceasefire in the 17-year war in Afghanistan and open dialogue with the Afghan government.

US special peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad's meeting with Taliban representatives was originally slated to run over two days and its unexpected extension was a positive sign, according to two senior Taliban leaders in Afghanistan who have been kept informed of the progress made in Qatar.

During the first two days, the talks focused on a plan for the withdrawal of the foreign forces and a guarantee that Afghanistan would not be used for hostile acts against the United States and its allies, according to one of Taliban leaders, who wished to remain anonymous.

"The mechanism for a ceasefire and ways to enter into an intra-Afghan dialogue were the two other big topics that were supposed to be discussed on Thursday," the official told Reuters news agency.

Members of Afghanistan's High Peace Council (AHPC), a body that oversees peace efforts but does not represent the government, said they were hoping that positive news would emerge from Doha. - Read More

Extended US-Taliban peace talks in Qatar raise Afghan hopes | News ...

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