27 January

Afghanistan's anti-government Taliban militant group says there has been progress in its talks with the US government.

Representatives of the Taliban and US special peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad held six-days of talks which ended on Saturday in Qatar. A spokesman for the insurgent group said progress was made in the latest round of negotiations revolving around the withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan and other vital issues. The two sides are believed to have discussed the phased withdrawal of US forces and when it can be completed.

However, the spokesman also said the Taliban is steadfast in their demand that no substantive progress is possible without the withdrawal of troops. He suggested that further consultation is needed to resolve many outstanding issues in order to realize a ceasefire, sought by the US and Afghan governments. Around 14,000 US troops are being stationed in Afghanistan at the moment. Washington has been in contact with the Taliban since July last year in line with President Donald Trump's instructions to speed up the pullout of US forces.

But US attempts to train local security forces have been stalled while the security situation in the country is deteriorating. It remains unclear whether the US withdrawal will progress smoothly, leading to a ceasefire.—NHK