The Afghan government on Saturday floated an idea of executing theremaining steps of crucial intra-Afghan negotiations with the Talibaninside Afghanistan.

In a series of tweets, National Security Adviser Hamdullah Mohib said theAfghan government has no specific concerns regarding location inside thecountry, and the Taliban can pick a spot for these talks anywhere in thecountry.

The talks are currently underway in the Qatari capital Doha, where theTaliban have their political office.

“Peace talks within Afghanistan will help create a credible exclusivesecurity zone, and enable the Afghan people to own and oversee peace andnegotiations. Negotiators will be better aware of the grievances anddemands of their countrymen and will avoid additional costs in theprocess,” he said.

The Taliban are yet to comment on the offer.

Mohib said that the peace process and peacemakers abroad are affected byexternal conditions, and experience has shown that such peace does notserve Afghan interests.

Mahira Khan tests positive for coronaviruslink

Hours after his statement, the peace negotiators of both the Taliban andthe Afghan government in Doha announced a three-week pause in the ongoingtalks in Doha.

According to a joint statement, both sides shared initial lists of agendaitems and conducted preliminary discussions on the list.

“Since the agenda items need further consultations, the two sides agreedfor a recess and to resume the second round of talks on Jan. 5, 2021,” saidNader Nadery representing the Afghan government and Mohammed Naeem of theTaliban delegation in separate tweets.

Both sides thanked the people and the Qatar government for generoushospitality and providing facilitates for the talks.

Earlier this month, the Afghan government and the Taliban confirmed thatthe procedure for intra-Afghan talks has been finalized, a development thathas been widely welcomed. The announcement marked the first majorbreakthrough since talks between the Kabul government and the Talibanstarted in Doha on Sept. 12.