Quadrilateral Afghan peace process begins next week: US
However, the spokesman ruled out participation of Afghan Taliban representatives, saying that “No Taliban are going to be participating in this coordination meeting.”
WASHINGTON: The United States has confirmed beginning of Afghan reconciliation process next week, saying that representatives from Pakistan, US, China and Afghanistan will attend the quadrilateral meeting.
US State Department Spokesman John Kirby, in a media briefing said, “It will be an opportunity to further strengthen our partnership with Afghanistan, Pakistan, and China in support of an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned reconciliation.”
However, the spokesman ruled out participation of Afghan Taliban representatives, saying that “No Taliban are going to be participating in this coordination meeting.”
He said the meeting is aimed at coordinating Afghan, Pakistani, Chinese, and US efforts to set the conditions for peace in Afghanistan.
The process is a good and significant follow-up to the Heart of Asia discussions last month, Kirby said.
The spokesman went on to say that US is looking forward to trying to make some progress here on what has been a very difficult issue.
-
Chicago child, 8, dead after 'months of abuse, starvation', two arrested -
Funeral home owner sentenced to 40 years for selling corpses, faking ashes -
Australia’s Liberal-National coalition reunites after brief split over hate laws -
Savannah Guthrie addresses ransom demands made by her mother Nancy's kidnappers -
Washington Post CEO William Lewis resigns after sweeping layoffs -
North Korea to hold 9th Workers’ Party Congress in late February -
Factory explosion in North China leaves eight dead -
Trump hosts Honduran president Nasry Asfura at Mar-a-Lago to discuss trade, security