KABUL (SW) – A former senior Taliban-era official claimed the U.S. has reached a deal with the insurgents over the withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan.
In conversation with Salam Watandar, Mawlawi Qalamuddin, former head of the Taliban’s moral police brigade, said a moot was hosted by China in Beijing on Wednesday attended by representatives of a number of countries that was briefed by Zalmay Khalilzad, U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation. He added Khalilzad would return to Doha after this moot.
According to Qalamuddin the deal between the U.S. and Taliban is set to be inked in the presence of the U.N and representatives from a number of countries.
When contacted, another former Taliban-era official, Syed Akbar Aagha, said it is highly likely that a deal has indeed been reached in this regard.
“I had a meeting with the Taliban this morning. Headed to China now and then will return to Washington to report and consult on the #AfghanPeaceProcess”, Khalilzad tweeted on Tuesday.
Separately, Suhail Shaheen, spokesman for the Taliban’s Qatar office, told SW that the discussions over the withdrawal of foreign troops have entered final phase. He clarified an agreement is yet to be reached on this matter. He added the two sides have agreed to consult their leadership before resuming the talks.
Talks between the U.S. and Taliban resumed in Doha on May 29, and were paused for two days amid intra-Afghan dialogue for peace.
ENDS
