Historic Afghan peace talks launch in Qatar

By Shadi Khan Saif

KABUL, Afghanistan/DOHA, Qatar (AA) - Landmark intra-Afghan peace talks between the Afghan government and Taliban insurgents commenced Saturday in the Qatari capital Doha.

The talks aim to end nearly two decades of armed insurgency in the war-torn country.

Qatar's deputy premier and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani delivered the opening speech with the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, as well as top diplomats from the US, Germany, Turkey, Pakistan, India, China, Iran and many other countries attending.