United States special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad and the Taliban delegations have wrapped the marathon Afghan peace talks in Doha after 16 days Tuesday, with agreement in draft between the two sides on some vital issues under negotiation.
As the news broke on Doha talks, Khalilzad wrote in a tweet that he “finished a marathon rounds of talks with the Taliban in Doha”, adding some improvements on the modality of their prolonged debate took place.
“Just finished a marathon round of talks with the Taliban in #Doha. The conditions for #peace have improved,” tweeted Khalilzad on Tuesday. “It’s clear all sides want to end the war. Despite ups and downs, we kept things on track and made real strides,”
(1/4) Just finished a marathon round of talks with the Taliban in #Doha. The conditions for #peace have improved. It’s clear all sides want to end the war. Despite ups and downs, we kept things on track and made real strides.
— U.S. Special Representative Thomas West (@US4AfghanPeace) March 12, 2019
Khalilzad said peace requires agreement on four issues: counterterrorism assurances, troop withdrawal, intra-Afghan dialogue, and a comprehensive ceasefire.
“In January talks, we “agreed in principle” on these four elements. We’re now “agreed in draft” on the first two,” he said in a tweet.
Khalilzad further said when the agreement in draft about a withdrawal timeline and effective counterterrorism measures is finalized, the Taliban and other Afghans, including the government, will begin intra-Afghan negotiations on a political settlement and comprehensive ceasefire.
As he is due to head back to States, Khalilzad said, “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,” Khalilzad concluded in a tweet.
(4/4) 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.
— U.S. Special Representative Thomas West (@US4AfghanPeace) March 12, 2019
Meanwhile, Taliban said in a statement that the US and their group had profound discussions on two issues, the foreign forces pullout and serious actions against the terrorist groups.
However, no agreement has been inked by both parties and they will come together after consulting their leadership board about the development just made, Taliban added in a statement.
Here is all you need to know about Afghan peace talks in Doha, Qatar:
· Doha Talks Continue Behind the Curtain
· Doha Talks Give Heads-up on U.S Troops Withdrawal
· Doha Talks Yet to Bear Fruit as Result
· US, Taliban to Discuss Peace Process in Doha
President Ashraf Ghani’s spokesman Haroon Chakhansori, said the government welcomes the Unites States efforts on peace in Afghanistan, referring to conclusion made after 16 days in Doha, Qatar.
“We hope to witness a lasting and comprehensive ceasefire with the Taliban,” said Chakhansori. “And also hope the Taliban will start direct talks with Afghan government soon.”
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