Under the US deal with the Taliban signed late last month, the Afghan government is expected to release 5,000 prisoners while the Taliban would free 1,000.
The releases have been delayed as President Ashraf Ghani has set conditions, which the Taliban have rejected.
“Prisoner releases by both sides is an important step in the peace process, as stated in the US-Taliban agreement. And critical for humanitarian reasons,” Khalilzad said.
“The over two-hour technical discussion today was important, serious, and detailed. My thanks to all sides. Everyone clearly understands the coronavirus threat makes pprisoner releases that much more urgent,” Khalilzad said.
“All sides conveyed their strong commitment to a reduction of violence, intra-Afghan negotiations, and a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire. We have also agreed to a follow-on technical meeting in the next two days,” Khalilzad said.
