Russia hosts meeting on Afghanistan

Moscow yesterday hosted international talks on Afghanistan, aimed at kickstarting direct negotiations between Kabul and the Taliban militant group, both of whom sent delegations.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the participation of both Afghan leaders and the Taliban was aimed at creating “favourable conditions for the start of direct talks.” Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said the group would not hold “any negotiations” with the Kabul administration’s delegation. (AFP)