Kabul
After month-long-delays the Afghan peace talks between the Taliban and Afghan government’s negotiators are set to begin today in Qatar, officials confirmed . Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will travel to Doha for the opening of the US-backed negotiations, as President Donald Trump seeks to honor his pledge to halt the country’s “endless wars” overseas with just two months to go until he faces re-election.
The talks had originally been slated to start in March but were repeatedly pushed back amid disputes over a prisoner exchange that included the release of hundreds of battle-hardened Taliban fighters.
Trump announced Pompeo would depart Thursday “on a historic trip to Doha, Qatar, for the beginning of intra-Afghan peace negotiations.”
The insurgents, the Afghan government and Qatari officials all confirmed on Thursday the talks would begin Saturday following an opening ceremony in Doha.
Pompeo, in a statement, called the talks a “historic” opportunity to end decades of war and bloodshed, adding “This opportunity must not be squandered.” Qatar’s foreign ministry said the talks “are a serious and important step towards establishing sustainable peace in Afghanistan”.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran Khan has welcomed the announcement regarding commencement of intra-Afghan negotiations on Saturday. Imran Khan in a statement in Islamabad said, “Finally, our combined efforts
have brought forth the day that the Afghan people have been yearning for.”He said, for more than 40 years, Afghans have suffered from continued conflict and bloodshed. Pakistan has endured the fall-out — reflected in incidence of terrorism, loss of precious lives, and huge economic cost.
