MONITORING (SW) – U.S President Donald Trump said in his 2019 State of the Union address on Tuesday that Washington is holding constructive talks with a number of Afghan groups, including the Taliban.
He said American troops have now been fighting in the Middle East for almost 19 years. "In Afghanistan and Iraq, nearly 7,000 American heroes have given their lives. More than 52,000 Americans have been badly wounded. We have spent more than $7 trillion in the Middle East", he said.
He added talks have also accelerated the negotiations to reach a political settlement in Afghanistan. "Our troops have fought with unmatched valor — and thanks to their bravery, we are now able to pursue a political solution to this long and bloody conflict".
He said Washington is holding constructive talks with a number of Afghan groups, including the Taliban. "As we make progress in these negotiations, we will be able to reduce our troop presence and focus on counter-terrorism. We do not know whether we will achieve an agreement — but we do know that after two decades of war, the hour has come to at least try for peace".
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