Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has called on the Taliban to engage in direct talks with the government for peace in the country.
In an address to the nation in Kabul today, he said the Taliban has two choices either to stand with the people of Afghanistan or be used as a tool by others.
Ashraf Ghani said concerted efforts are being made for restoration of peace in the country and the rights of the people will not be compromised in the name of peace..
He said the foreign troops in the country would leave at some point, but that this would be done in accordance with an orderly plan.
Meanwhile, a statement issued by Afghan president’s office says U.S. peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad shared details of his recent talks with the Taliban in Qatar with President Ashraf Ghani and other government officials.
Read Top Stories
The statement quotes Khalilzad as saying he held talks about a cease-fire with the Taliban but that there was no progress yet on that issue.
The statement also claims the Taliban demanded from Khalilzad the withdrawal of all foreign troops from Afghanistan, but that there was no agreement on that.
