US Special Envoy Zalmay Khalilzad begins another multi-nation trip on Afghan peace to Afghanistan, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Jordan and Qatar from March 25 to April 10, the US Department of State says in a statement.
The statement said that Khalilzad will travel to Afghanistan, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Jordan and Qatar March 25-April 10, as part of the overall effort to facilitate a peace process that brings all Afghan parties together in inclusive intra-Afghan negotiations.
“In Kabul, the Special Representative will consult with the Afghan government and other Afghans about the status of US talks with the Taliban, encourage efforts to form an inclusive negotiating team, and discuss next steps in intra-Afghan discussions and negotiations,” the statement said.
The statement said that the Special Representative will meet with the Allies and partners regarding the status of peace talks and to coordinate sustained commitment by the international community to peace and development in Afghanistan.
Khalilzad’s new trip has started after he had extensive talks with senior members of the Taliban in Qatar this month which ended after 16 days.
Khalilzad said the talks were productive and they agreed in draft on US forces withdrawal and counterterrorism assurances.
Khalilzad said peace requires agreement on four issues: counterterrorism assurances, troop withdrawal, intra-Afghan dialogue, and a comprehensive ceasefire.
In recent developments on the Afghan peace, a number of Afghan politicians – around 80 delegates – are supposed to meet Taliban members in Qatar in April. The Afghan politicians have said it will be a follow up of Moscow meeting that was held on February 21.
