DOHA – The United States and Taliban representatives began a new round ofpeace talks in Qatar today (Wednesday), aimed at securing a lasting peaceagreement in Afghanistan.

The US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, who led the US delegation, has saidthe talks will ultimately focus on troops withdrawal; guarantees againstterrorism; talks between the Taliban and the American-supported governmentof Afghanistan to establish a path toward political settlement; and alasting cease-fire.