KABUL – The US and the Taliban are “close” to reaching an agreement for adeal that would see the Pentagon slash its troop numbers in Afghanistan, aspokesman for the insurgents said Wednesday.
The two foes have been meeting in Doha in recent days to put the finaltouches on a historic deal that would see the Taliban make various securityguarantees in return for a sharp reduction in the 13,000 or so Americantroops based in Afghanistan.
“Negotiations will continue today. We are close to an agreement. We hope tobring good news for our Muslim and freedom seeking nation soon,” Talibanspokesmen Zabihullah Mujahid tweeted, attributing the statement to anearlier message that Doha-based spokesman Suhail Shaheen had sent in Pashto.
The US embassy in Kabul did not immediately comment.
The apparent final phase of talks brings into view the end of anexcruciating few months for Afghans who have watched on nervously andlargely voiceless as America cuts a deal with the Taliban while sideliningthe Kabul government.
After 18 years of war, the US wants to end its military involvement inAfghanistan and has been talking to the insurgents since at least 2018.
Most of the work was led by US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, who hasspent recent months shuttling between world capitals in a bid to buildsupport for a deal with the Islamist hardliners known for their extremeinterpretations of Sharia law.
On Tuesday in Doha, Shaheen told reporters a deal could be expected “assoon as the remaining points are finalised”, as negotiators wrangled overindividual words and phrases in a draft.
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The agreement is expected to centre on the US withdrawing troops inexchange for the Taliban guaranteeing Afghanistan will not be used as ajihadist safe haven, talks with the Afghan government and an eventualceasefire.
In the Afghan capital on Wednesday, Amnesty International called on the USand the Taliban to also consider human rights in any deal.
“Any peace agreement must not ignore (Afghans’) voices, the voices of thevictims, they must not ignore their calls for justice and accountabilityfor war crimes, crimes against humanity and other serious human rightsviolations”, Omar Waraich, Amnesty’s deputy South Asia director, toldreporters.
While the Taliban are notorious for numerous human rights abuses,violations have also been perpetrated by pro-government forces.
The apparent final phase of talks between the US and the Taliban bringsinto view the end of an excruciating few months for Afghans. APP/AFP
