[image: Taliban also agree not to let al Qaeda and Islamic State operate inthe war-torn country. PHOTO: AFP]
KABUL – The United States has accepted Afghan Talibam demand of Americantroops withdrawal from the war-torn country, according to a *Tolo Newslink*reportthat cites sources familiar with the ongoing Doha talks.
The development came on the fifth day of US-Taliban talks in Qatar onFriday, with discussions set to continue as the dialogue enters its sixthday on Saturday.
According to details, the Taliban have agreed not to let al-Qaeda and themilitant Islamic State (IS) operate in Afghanistan.
US officials have been pushing for a ceasefire but the Taliban havedemanded a timeline for the withdrawal of American troops from the war-torncountry.
The Afghan publication also stated that the Taliban have sought assurancesfrom Washington that America’s withdrawal would pose no threat for regionalcountries.
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US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzadcontinued to urge the Taliban to initiate dialogue with Kabul, saying thatthe talks should be aimed at reforms and not to demand Taliban control overAfghanistan.
The Taliban, however, have not responded to Khalilzad’s call.
Diplomatic efforts to end America’s longest-running conflict intensified in2017 after the appointment of Khalilzad to lead direct talks with theTaliban.
