KABUL (SW) – The U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation has said peace talks are entering a new stage and Afghans must be engaged more than ever.
Zalmay Khalilzad said this in a series of tweets after meeting President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani in Kabul. “Good meeting w/ Pres @AshrafGhani & his team. Discussed building further intl consensus for #peace. Also regional requirements & implications for peace including recent positive movement in AfPak relations & opportunities peace will provide for regional connectivity & development”, he tweeted.
According to the the president’s office both sides expressed hope to initiate the first round of intra-Afghan dialogue at the earliest.
A number of analysts believe the Taliban might agree to meet Afghan officials in next round of talks.
Mehmood Haidari, an analyst, said the government was not represented in the previous six rounds of talks between the U.S. and the Taliban, and it has hampered peace talks. Waheed Mujda, another analyst, expressed optimism about the next round of talks between the Taliban and the U.S.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Kabul said in a statement that Ambassador Khalilzad has arrived in Kabul for consultations with leaders of the National Unity Government, political leaders, civil society, and women to discuss progress in U.S. efforts to facilitate an inclusive peace process.
“As peace talks reach a critical phase, engagement with more Afghans across the country on how to achieve a negotiated political settlement that brings a durable peace is of utmost importance. During his visit, Ambassador Khalilzad will engage Afghans from across society, including youth and students, female business owners and government officials, and religious leaders”, it said.
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