U.S. SAYS READY FOR DIRECT TALKS WITH AFGHAN TALIBAN

KANDAHAR: The United States is ready to join direct negotiations with the Taliban in an effort to end the 17 year-long war in Afghanistan, Gen John Nicholson, the top US commander, said on Monday, amid growing speculation about possible peace talks.

The comment follows increased diplomatic efforts to seek talks following unprecedented scenes of unarmed Taliban fighters mingling with Afghan security forces on the streets of Kabul and other cities during last month’s surprise ceasefire.

Nicholson, who leads the Nato-led Resolute Support mission, said the United States recognised it had a key role to play.

“Our secretary of state, Mr (Mike) Pompeo, has said that we, the United States, are ready to talk to the Taliban and discuss the role of international forces,” he said. “We hope that they realise this and that this will help to move the peace process forward.”

Earlier, the New York Times reported that President Donald Trump’s administration had ordered diplomats to seek direct talks with the Taliban in a bid to jump-start negotiations.

Sohail Shahin, a spokesman for the Taliban’s political office in Qatar, said he was still waiting for confirmation but welcomed signs of the new approach.

He said that as a first step, he expected to see Taliban leaders removed from a UN black list in order to be able to travel. He also said the issue of international troops in Afghanistan would be a major issue and that the Taliban would be willing to discuss US concerns.