Afghan Taliban refuse to hold talks in Saudi Arabia, seek venue change
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KABUL - Afghan Taliban are seeking to change the venue of planned peace talks with the United States this month.
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed to media that the militant group has decided to cancel the meeting in Saudi Arabia, but did not provide information about a new meeting venue.
Reportedly the next round of talks may be held in Qatar.
The upcoming negotiations, the fourth in a series aimed at ending the 17-year war in Afghanistan, are scheduled between the leaders of the Taliban and U.S. special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad to discuss the withdrawal of foreign forces and a possible ceasefire this year.
Leaders of the hardline group have rejected the Kabul government's offer for direct talks.
