Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Afghan Rivals Gather in Qatar for Historic US-Backed Peace Talks

Ayaz Gul

   ISLAMABAD - Representatives of Afghanistan's warring factions have
   gathered in Qatar for historic U.S.-brokered peace negotiations
   starting Saturday that aim to find a political settlement to the South
   Asian country's long war.

   U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also arrived Friday in the Qatari
   capital, Doha, along with other foreign dignitaries to attend this
   weekend's special ceremony marking the commencement of what officially
   are known as intra-Afghan negotiations.

   The dialogue will bring to the negotiating table Doha-based negotiators
   of the Taliban insurgency and the Afghan government-appointed
   delegation.

.