DOHA: The sixth round of peace talks between representatives of the United States and Taliban begin in Doha, the capital city of Qatar today.
Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid has confirmed that the U.S. delegation has arrived in Doha for the talks.
The U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad will lead the U.S. delegation in the sixth round of peace talks with the Taliban.
A western diplomat has told Reuters that the U.S. delegation will focus on a declaration of a ceasefire to pave the way to an end to the fighting.
However, the Taliban group will focus on firstly the withdrawal of U.S. forces from the country.
The fifth round of peace talks between U.S. and Taliban concluded in mid-March in the Qatari capital Doha after sixteen days of extensive talks.
In a statement posted on Twitter after the conclusion of 5th round of talks, Ambassador Khalilzad had said “Peace requires agreement on four issues: counter-terrorism 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 also added “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.” …Agencies
