KABUL – New surprise development has been reported in the peace talksbetween Afghan Taliban and United States in Qatar.
In a surprise move, the two-day talks between the United States and Talibanofficials this week continued for the third day on Wednesday, reportedlydue to discussions around a possible ceasefire, Khaama Press has reported.
According to sources close to the Taliban, the Doha talks were extended asdelegates reportedly discussed the possibility of a ceasefire.
However, it is unclear at this stage whether the talks will continueThursday or whether the two sides wrapped up their discussions onWednesday.
The Afghan government, which has not attended the talks, meanwhile said theTaliban needs to speak to Kabul’s peace negotiating team directly, as thefinal decision on a ceasefire would be made by the government ofAfghanistan.
“At the end of the day, when the (direct) talks begin, any decision wouldbe made by government’s negotiating team,” said Omid Maisam, spokesman forChief Executive Abdullah Abdullah.
A former commander of the Taliban, Sayed Akbar Agha, said the ongoing talkshave raised hopes of a peace agreement.
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“The continuity of the meeting shows that there is willingness in thetalks,” he said.
Analysts meanwhile said Taliban were discussing other issues in the talksand not the issue of a ceasefire.
The issue of the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan has reportedlybeen one of the key topics of discussion during four rounds of talksbetween the two sides – the US and the Taliban.
Analysts also said attacks by Taliban are carried out to give the group anupper hand in the talks with US representatives.
