U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad, said in a thread on Twitter that negotiations should be resumed on January 5 as agreed by the two sides of the negotiating table.
“Given how much is at stake, it is imperative that there is no delays in resumption of talks and they must resume on Jan 5 as agreed,” he said.
According to a joint statement of the two negotiating sides, the next round of talks will be held on January 5 of next year after a three-week pause.
The government negotiating team return back to Kabul to seek further consultations on the agenda of the peace negotiations, what officials described as the main reason for the delay.
The U.S. peace envoy added that there is an “urgent” need for reduction in hostilities, ceasefire as well as a “political settlement”.
“Tragically, the war continues. The need for a political settlement, reduction in violence, and a ceasefire remain urgent,” Mr. Khalilzad said Monday.
Visit to Pakistan
Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad also paid a visit to Pakistan where he met with the country’s Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Monday.
Regional security situation with particular reference to the Afghan peace process was discussed during the meeting, according to a statement by Pakistan’s military.
Pakistan’s Bajwa assured the U.S. officials that his country will continue to play its “positive role” in advancing peace and stability in the region.
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