Kabul hopeful of peace negotiations with Taliban

Despite a spike in insurgent attacks, the Afghan government is optimistic of peace talks with Taliban militants, a presidential spokesman says.
In an interview, Shah Hussain Murtazawi said the government’s optimism stemmed from a brief Eid truce by the Taliban and peace calls from the Imam of Makkah and the Saudi monarch.
“A new chapter has been opened and the broad support for a ceasefire and an end to the war offer cause for optimism,” he told Arab News.
Taliban commanders’ arrival in towns and their celebration of Eid with government officials suggested their willingness for dialogue with the government, he argued.
However, Murtazawi explained, no contact had been established yet with leaders of the militants group since the end to the truce.