Afghan peace talks put on hold by Taliban
KABUL, Afghanistan — The Afghan government on Saturday announced that it was preparing for direct negotiations with the Taliban in the next two weeks, a major step in efforts to end the war.
But the Taliban rejected it.
The militant group’s spokesman said the Taliban was steadfast in its refusal to directly negotiate with the Afghan side until the United States announces a schedule for withdrawing its 14,000 troops in the country.
The episode was the latest confusion in the process.
The insurgents and the Americans are nearing a deal after seven rounds of protracted negotiations in Qatar — talks that have excluded the Afghan government.
Read more: https://www.toledoblade.com/news/World/2019/07/28/afghanistan-peace-talks-put-on-hold-by-taliban/stories/20190728116
