KABUL (SW) – A well-placed source has told Salam Watandar the U.S. awaits formal reply from the Taliban on a possible ceasefire or at least reduction in violence.
This comes as Zalmay Khalilzad, U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan, is set to resume talks with the Taliban in Qatar. “We anticipate, in next few days, Khalilzad would be meeting Taliban to receive response and hear outcome of the discussions the Taliban leadership has been having in Pakistan”, an official said.
“We underscore once again that a meeting between Khalilzad and Taliban does not mean the talks have resume, but it would be just to listen to them (Taliban) what they have to say”, said a U.S. Embassy official.
This comes as there have been talks about both a complete ceasefire and reduction in violence in build-up to the formal resumption of peace talks in Afghanistan.
“Meaning of the reduction in violence is an overall reduction in number and types of attacks that would give the people hope and confidence that the trend would continue until there is a ceasefire”, said the U.S. official.
When contacted, Assadullah Zairi, spokesman for the High Peace Council, told Salam Watandar last week the government has presented declaration of ceasefire as a condition for the start of formal peace talks. He said it is important that the Taliban publically announce it.
Commenting on this, Syed Akbar Aagha, a former Taliban-era official said the insurgents are talking about reduction of violence that can be understood as undeclared ceasefire. He added this seems, the Taliban are seeking to informally implement ceasefire, which means reduction in violence.
ENDS
