KABUL: Peace talks between the Taliban and the US are progressing on a“step-by-step” basis, Taliban spokesman said Sunday, following a bloodyattack on a joint US-Afghan base claimed by the insurgents.
Meetings between the two sides restarted over the weekend in Doha after atemporary halt late last week to allow for “internal deliberations”.
“The current round of talks in Doha are advancing on a step-by-step basis.As the issue at hand is immensely crucial and delicate, it’s progression istaking place with that much care and vigilance,” said Taliban spokesmanZabihullah Mujahid in a statement sent to media.
The spokesman added the negotiations continue to focus primarily on apotential US troop withdrawal and a pact to prevent Afghanistan from beingused as a safe haven for terrorists.
The latest meetings follow marathon talks in January that saw the US andthe Taliban walk away with a “draft framework” on the two issues.
“It should be mentioned that no understanding has so far been reached aboutany agreement or document,” Mujahid added.
The US has not released a statement regarding the status of the talks.
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A New York Times report published Thursday hinted that US forces couldleave Afghanistan within five years under a Pentagon plan offered as partof a potential deal with the Taliban to end the nearly 18-year war.
The Taliban were quick to reject the claims, saying they were unaware ofany such proposals made during the months-long diplomatic push.
The US has also pushed for a ceasefire and the opening of a dialoguebetween the Taliban and the Kabul government — demands that have beenrepeatedly rejected by the insurgents.
The continuation of the talks follows a major attack on a joint US-Afghanbase in southwestern Afghanistan’s Helmand province Friday, with at least23 security forces killed in the hours-long assault on one of the largestmilitary installations in the country.
Heavy snowfall across large swathes of Afghanistan has led to a sharpreduction in violence this winter, but warmer weather in the country’ssouth will likely spark an increase in bloodshed with the arrival of thespring fighting season. – APP/AFP
