The US Special Representative for Afghan Reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad, on Sunday continued his meeting with Afghan leaders and politicians to brief them on his latest peace talks with Taliban in Qatar and Pakistani officials in Islamabad.
Khalilzad held a meeting with Chief Executive Officer of the National Unity Government (NUG), Abdullah Abdullah on Sunday. A statement released from Abdullah’s office reads that Khalilzad briefed them on his recent diplomatic efforts toward peace in Afghanistan.
“We stand ready to engage in talks with any parties that genuinely believe in political resolution of problems in our country,” Abdullah was quoted as saying in the press release.
In the meantime, Khalilzad met with a number of politicians led by former President Hamid Karzai at his residence in Kabul. Karzai’s office in a statement said that he had a detailed discussion with the US envoy over the ongoing peace process.
“Khalilzad was happy with the progress made in the peace talks with Taliban and hoped that they can reach an agreement with Taliban,” the statement read.
According to the statement, Karzai appreciated Khalilzad’s efforts for political solution of Afghan war, calling for further seriousness and pace of US attempts to that end.
The former President also expressed his grave concern over a sharp increase in civilian casualties, urging the American side to put an end to their military operations in Afghanistan.
He hoped that the bloodshed in the country would soon come to an end, and people would witness the positive results of peace process.
This comes as Arg, the Presidential Palace, said on Saturday that Khalilzad told President Ghani that no significant progress had been made in peace talks with Taliban in the latest rounds of talks.
Arg’s statement contradicts remarks of politicians they made after their meetings with Khalilzad. For instance, former Finance Minister Omar Zakhailwal said he had seen great progress and confidence in his meeting with the US envoy.
“Was good news to hear about encouraging progress & the sense of optimism for more. Discussion focused on way forward for peace & how current bloodshed in our country could come to a quick halt,” Zakhailwal wrote on his verified twitter handle.
