WEB DESK
The US envoy negotiating with the Taliban hailed significant progress in finding a solution to end Afghanistan’s long-running war.
In a tweet, US special representative for Afghan reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad said that his meetings with the Taliban in Qatar were more productive than they have been in the past. He said, they have made significant progress on vital issues.
Khalilzad met for an unexpectedly long six days with the Taliban in Qatar. While he did not give further details, floated proposals include a withdrawal by the United States of its troops in return for Taliban guarantees not to shelter foreign extremists.
US President Donald Trump has been eager to end America’s longest war, which was launched shortly after the September 11, 2001 attacks. Mr Trump has already said he will pull half of the 14,000 US troops from Afghanistan.
1/3 After six days in Doha, I'm headed to #Afghanistan for consultations. Meetings here were more productive than they have been in the past. We made significant progress on vital issues.
— U.S. Special Representative Thomas West (@US4AfghanPeace) January 26, 2019