Washington DC, June 4: United States special representative for Afghan reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad has on Monday said he held discussions with Pakistan’s military and civilian officials about what does Washington expects them to take actions to advance the Afghan peace process.
At the beginning of his office 16-day multinational tour for an Afghan peace mission, the special envoy firstly paid an official visit to Islamabad on Sunday, after which he is also expected to visit Qatar for a fresh round of peace talks with the Taliban, according to Dawn news reports.
In a tweet on Monday, Khalilzad said, “Productive 24 hours in Islamabad. Briefed Pakistani leaders on the progress we’ve made in the last month,” adding, “Discussed what Pakistan can do to help advance the Afghan Peace Process. Pakistani cooperation on Afghanistan peace serves regional interests and builds stronger US-Pak relations.”
Productive 24hrs in #Islamabad. Briefed Pakistani leaders on progress we've made in the last month. Discussed what #Pakistan can do to help advance the #AfghanPeaceProcess. Pakistani cooperation on #Afghanistan peace serves regional interests & builds stronger US-Pak relations.
— U.S. Special Representative Thomas West (@US4AfghanPeace) June 3, 2019
Khalilzad has held six rounds of peace negotiations with the Taliban in Doha, the Qatari capital since the Afghan peace mission began last fall.
However, The New York has on Sunday reported the “talks between the Taliban and the United States seem stuck”. It acknowledged both sides “have made some progress towards an agreement” over the withdrawal of American troops in return for security guarantees from the Taliban, but “they have struggled to reach the next stage of discussing Afghanistan’s political future”.
According to diplomatic observers in Washington DC, President Donald Trump’s administration seeks Pakistan to play a “greater role” to entice a peace agreement with the Taliban.
While the Taliban leaders have met with Afghanistan political and opposition officials, they reiterate their refusal to direct negotiation with the nation’s government, which they called illegitimate. Though, the Taliban participated in Moscow meeting last week, in which Afghan envoy was also presented, also delegation.