US, Taliban talks resumes in Doha

By Islamuddin Sajid

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AA) - A crucial round of talks between the U.S. and Afghan Taliban has resumed in Doha, the capital of Qatar on Saturday to end the 18-year conflict in Afghanistan.

"Today at 10 am [local time] in Doha, peace talks will begin again between the Taliban and U.S. negotiation team," Zabihullah Mujahid, the Afghan Taliban spokesman told Anadolu Agency

Zalmay Khalilzad led the U.S. negotiation team while their Taliban counterparts were led by Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanakzai.

"Our technical teams have worked hard and prepared the proposal for expected agreement which will discuss in today meeting" Mujahid said, adding that the meeting could continue for a few days.

However, he clarified that U.S. troops would withdraw from Afghanistan as per the agreement which would be signed between Washington and the Taliban.

"I couldn't share the details about the expected agreement, but it's clear that U.S. troops will withdraw as per agreement which will be signed between us," Mujahid underlined.

Late Friday night, top U.S. peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad said withdrawal from Afghanistan will be condition-based

"We are pursuing a #peace agreement not a withdrawal agreement; a peace agreement that enables withdrawal. Our presence in #Afghanistan is conditions-based, and any withdrawal will be conditions-based", Khalilzad tweeted

He added that both they and the Taliban wanted to conclude an agreement.

"The Taliban are signaling they would like to conclude an agreement. We are ready for a good agreement," Khlilzad said on Twitter.

Last month, the U.S. and Taliban announced a pause in consultations with higher leaders and said both sides needed to consult their top leadership on some matters.