Taliban formulates 10-member negotiating team for peace talks

High Peace Council (HPC) says Taliban has formulated a 10-member negotiating team for peace talks with the Afghan government.

The direct talks between the U.S. and Taliban have raised hopes among many interested parties to ensure peace in war-torn Afghanistan.

Recently, the U.S. Special Envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad met NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in Brussels, where the North Atlantic Council expressed support for the U.S. efforts to promote an Afghan-led and owned peace process.

In early October, Khalilzad met with the Taliban representatives in Qatar and then met with the Afghan government officials in Kabul where he has asked both sides to come up with an authorized team of negotiators for peace talks.

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U.S. likely agreed to set timetable for troops withdrawal – HPC

Afghanistan High Peace Council (HPC) says the United States has probably reached on an agreement to set a timetable for withdrawal of its troops from Afghanistan, following the peace talks with Taliban delegation in Qatar.

According to HPC, the withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan, the release of Taliban prisoners, and removal of some Taliban figures from the UN blacklist are the key conditions of the armed group for entering into peace talks with the Afghan government.

Haji Din Mohammad, the Deputy Head of HPC said that they have met with the Taliban delegation on the sidelines of the recent Moscow summit and that the Taliban has shown the intent to end the ongoing war.

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HPC announces preparation for legitimate reconciliation with Taliban

The High Peace Council (HPC) has announced readiness for any legitimate agreement and reconciliation with the Taliban group.

HPC held a consultation meeting with a number of religious scholars from across the county to find practical ways to achieve lasting peace and end the war.

“Now, practical and promising measures are underway for starting an official talk with the armed opposition groups,” said Karim Khalili, chairman of HPC.

The HPC senior officials stressed that the council is ready for bargaining on any issue with the armed Taliban group.

“We are ready for any kind of agreement. Opening an office or the withdrawal of foreign troops are the issues that can be discussed. They can share any of their demands that we can find a solution,” said Akram Khaplwak, HPC head of secretariat.

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