The Taliban and the United States officials held “extensive” discussions during Afghan peace talks in Qatar and yield ways to end the long-decade war in Afghanistan, and also discussed over how foreign troops could be withdrawn from the region, the Taliban has said on Tuesday, in a statement.
According to Reuters news reports, the US special representative for Afghan peace reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad, said the meetings held in Doha were very “productive”, via Twitter.
While adding that talks could further extend on Saturday after a two-day break, Khalilzad said, “We continue to take slow, steady steps toward understanding and eventually peace.”
Both sides have decided to adjourn their talks in order to prepare and hold consultations for their next talk session, according to a statement released by Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid.
After making some significant progress in their earlier meeting rounds, the two sides had resumed their talks, while also held in Doha last month.
The Taliban reiterated its refusal to hold direct talks with Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani and administration in Kabul.
The Taliban said their newly-elected chief Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar has met with general Scott Miller, Khalilzad, top NATO commander in Afghan, along with senior members of the Qatari government this week.
A senior Taliban commander claimed that two sides could soon reach to a deal, assuring Washington that Kabul would not be used against an ally in the future.
“They repeatedly ask for a ceasefire. But the answer is no from our side,” the commander said, speaking on condition of anonymity.