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US Envoy Calls for Timely Resumption of Intra-Afghan Peace Talks

Ayaz Gul

   ISLAMABAD - The U.S. special envoy for peace in Afghanistan, Zalmay
   Khalilzad, has asked the Taliban and representatives of the Afghan
   government to swiftly resume peace talks after their mutually agreed
   three-week break starting Monday.

   The two Afghan warring sides have been engaged in U.S.-brokered direct
   negotiations in Doha, Qatar, since September and paused the process for
   internal consultations ahead of their return to the table on January 5.
   Both negotiating teams confirmed they had exchanged "preliminary lists
   of agenda items" to be discussed when talks restart.

   "Tragically, the war continues. The need for a political settlement,
   reduction in violence, and a ceasefire remain urgent," Khalilzad said
   in a series of tweets Monday. "Given how much is at stake, it is
   imperative that there [are]no delays in resumption of talks and they
   must resume on Jan 5 as agreed," he said.

   The intra-Afghan negotiations stemmed from of a landmark troop
   withdrawal agreement the Trump administration sealed with the Taliban
   in February.

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