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Taliban Ready For Reduction in Afghan Violence To Advance Talks With US, Says
Pakistan

Ayaz Gul

   ISLAMABAD - Pakistan announced Thursday the Taliban is ready to reduce
   violence in Afghanistan, calling it a major breakthrough toward
   reaching a long-awaited peace deal the insurgent group has been
   negotiating with the United States.

   Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi revealed in a video message that
   Islamabad has been helping in the peace process to bring stability to
   Pakistan, Afghanistan and the region.

   "Today a major development has taken place in this effort. The Taliban
   has accepted the demand for a reduction in violence. I believe it is a
   major step toward the (U.S.-Taliban) peace agreement," Qureshi said. He
   did not share further details.

   "The good thing for Pakistan is that the responsibility it took for
   promoting the (Afghan) reconciliation has effectively been discharged,"
   the foreign minister noted. Pakistan hoped the effort would lead to
   peace so it would benefit the people in both neighboring countries,
   Qureshi added.

   The foreign minister, who is currently visiting Washington, made the
   revelation ahead of his meetings with U.S. Secretary of State Mike
   Pompeo and National Security Advisor Robert O' Brien.

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