After nearly two decades of war that has killed tens of thousands, peace talks between the Afghanistan government and the Taliban have opened in Qatar's capital. Watch report.

Intra-Afghan peace talks begin in Doha: 'Taliban attacked Afghan forces in 18 provinces'

India will be present at the intra-Afghan talks ceremony that will happen in a short while from now.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-to-be-present-at-intra-afghan-talks-ceremony-in-doha-326898">Also Read:&nbsp;India to be present at intra-Afghan talks ceremony in Doha</a>

External affairs minister S Jaishankar will join the ceremony virtually while Joint Secretary, Pakistan Afghanistan &amp; Iran (PAI) division in the ministry of external affairs, JP Singh will be present physically.

India will be present along around 30 countries at the ceremony. All the countries that border Afghanistan have been invited which includes Iran, Pakistan and many central Asian countries.

The ceremony starts the process of negotiations between the Afghan government and Taliban. The official negotiations starts on Monday.

Earlier this year, India was present at the signing of US Taliban deal which was signed on February 29 in Doha. The then Indian envoy in Doha P Kumaran represented India.&nbsp;

India is Afghanistan's major development partner and has built number infrastructure projects in the country like India Afghanistan friendship dam in the western province of Herat &amp; the Afghan Parliament in capital Kabul.&nbsp;

The Afghan govt negotiating delegation reached for Doha on Friday to start peace negotiations with the Taliban group.&nbsp;

The Afghan government will be represented by Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Mohamamd Hanif Atmar, Afghan President’s Special Representative on Peace Affairs Abdul Salam Rahimi and State Minister for Peace Affairs Seyed Sa’adat Mansour Naderi.&nbsp;

The Afghan government in a statement said, "President Ghani wishes success for the negotiating delegation of the Afghan Government on their mission to bring sustainable peace and stability to the country."

The Taliban said, "In line with the agreement signed between the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and the United States of America, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan would like to declare its readiness to partake in the inauguration ceremony of Intra-Afghan Negotiations".

The US welcomed the announcement that Afghanistan peace negotiations saying "This opportunity must not be squandered."

US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo is in Qatar to attend the opening ceremony of Afghanistan peace negotiations.

India will be present at the intra-Afghan talks ceremony that will happen in a short while from now. Also Read: India to be present at intra-Afghan talks ceremony in Doha External affairs minister S Jaishankar will join the ceremony virtually while Joint Secretary, Pakistan Afghanistan & Iran (PAI) division in the ministry of external affairs, JP Singh will be present physically.

India will be present at the intra-Afghan talks ceremony that will happen in a short while from now. Also Read: India to be present at intra-Afghan talks ceremony in Doha External affairs minister S Jaishankar will join the ceremony virtually while Joint Secretary, Pakistan Afghanistan & Iran (PAI) division in the ministry of external affairs, JP Singh will be present physically. India will be present along around 30 countries at the ceremony. All the countries that border Afghanistan have been invited which includes Iran, Pakistan and many central Asian countries. The ceremony starts the process of negotiations between the Afghan government and Taliban. The official negotiations starts on Monday. Earlier this year, India was present at the signing of US Taliban deal which was signed on February 29 in Doha. The then Indian envoy in Doha P Kumaran represented India. India is Afghanistan's major development partner and has built number infrastructure projects in the country like India Afghanistan friendship dam in the western province of Herat & the Afghan Parliament in capital Kabul. The Afghan govt negotiating delegation reached for Doha on Friday to start peace negotiations with the Taliban group. The Afghan government will be represented by Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Mohamamd Hanif Atmar, Afghan President’s Special Representative on Peace Affairs Abdul Salam Rahimi and State Minister for Peace Affairs Seyed Sa’adat Mansour Naderi. The Afghan government in a statement said, "President Ghani wishes success for the negotiating delegation of the Afghan Government on their mission to bring sustainable peace and stability to the country." The Taliban said, "In line with the agreement signed between the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and the United States of America, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan would like to declare its readiness to partake in the inauguration ceremony of Intra-Afghan Negotiations". The US welcomed the announcement that Afghanistan peace negotiations saying "This opportunity must not be squandered." US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo is in Qatar to attend the opening ceremony of Afghanistan peace negotiations.

Jaishankar to be present 'virtually' at intra-Afghan ceremony in Doha today

India has extended its support for a ceasefire in Afghanistan at the ceremony marking the beginning of talks between the Afghan government and Taliban in Doha.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-foreign-minister-jaishankar-virtually-joins-intra-afghan-ceremony-held-in-doha-327020">Also Read:&nbsp;India's foreign minister Jaishankar 'virtually' joins intra-Afghan ceremony held in Doha</a>

&nbsp;India's External Affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar who joined the meet virtually while reiterating that Afghan peace process should be "Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled" must "respect national sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan" &amp; "promote human rights and democracy" .

He also stated that the process should "ensure interest of minorities, women and the vulnerable" &amp; "effectively address violence across the country".

On the issue of terrorism, he said,"soil of Afghanistan should not be used for anti-India activities". According to the United Nations report earlier this year, about 6000-6500 Pakistani terrorists are based in Afghanistan.

He highlighted India's role as a development partner of Afghanistan, and how it reached out amidst COVID-19. New Delhi is Afghanistan's major development partner and has built number infrastructure projects in the country like India Afghanistan friendship dam in the western province of Herat &amp; the Afghan Parliament in capital Kabul. &nbsp;

Joint Secretary, Pakistan Afghanistan &amp; Iran (PAI) division in ministry of external affairs, JP Singh is present physically at the ceremony.

India was present along with around 30 countries at the ceremony. All the countries that border Afghanistan have been invited which includes Iran, Pakistan and many central Asian countries.

WION&nbsp;was the first to break on Friday that India will be present at the ceremony in Doha. Official negotiations between the Taliban and Afghan government starts on Monday.

Earlier this year, India was present at the signing of US Taliban deal which was signed on February 29 in Doha. The then Indian envoy in Doha P Kumaran represented India.

Afghan govt is being represented by Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Mohammad Hanif Atmar, Afghan President’s Special Representative on Peace Affairs Abdul Salam Rahimi and State Minister for Peace Affairs Seyed Sa’adat Mansour Naderi. In his speech, Abdullah Abdullah called for a "humanitarian ceasefire".

Taliban is being represented by Abdul Ghani Baradar.&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo is in Qatar to attend the opening ceremony of Afghanistan peace negotiations. The Afghan government negotiating delegation reached for Doha on Friday to start peace negotiations with the Taliban group.&nbsp;

India has extended its support for a ceasefire in Afghanistan at the ceremony marking the beginning of talks between the Afghan government and Taliban in Doha. Also Read: India's foreign minister Jaishankar 'virtually' joins intra-Afghan ceremony held in Doha India's External Affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar who joined the meet virtually while reiterating that Afghan peace process should be "Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled" must "respect national sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan" & "promote human rights and democracy" .

India has extended its support for a ceasefire in Afghanistan at the ceremony marking the beginning of talks between the Afghan government and Taliban in Doha. Also Read: India's foreign minister Jaishankar 'virtually' joins intra-Afghan ceremony held in Doha India's External Affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar who joined the meet virtually while reiterating that Afghan peace process should be "Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled" must "respect national sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan" & "promote human rights and democracy" . He also stated that the process should "ensure interest of minorities, women and the vulnerable" & "effectively address violence across the country". On the issue of terrorism, he said,"soil of Afghanistan should not be used for anti-India activities". According to the United Nations report earlier this year, about 6000-6500 Pakistani terrorists are based in Afghanistan. He highlighted India's role as a development partner of Afghanistan, and how it reached out amidst COVID-19. New Delhi is Afghanistan's major development partner and has built number infrastructure projects in the country like India Afghanistan friendship dam in the western province of Herat & the Afghan Parliament in capital Kabul. Joint Secretary, Pakistan Afghanistan & Iran (PAI) division in ministry of external affairs, JP Singh is present physically at the ceremony. India was present along with around 30 countries at the ceremony. All the countries that border Afghanistan have been invited which includes Iran, Pakistan and many central Asian countries. WION was the first to break on Friday that India will be present at the ceremony in Doha. Official negotiations between the Taliban and Afghan government starts on Monday. Earlier this year, India was present at the signing of US Taliban deal which was signed on February 29 in Doha. The then Indian envoy in Doha P Kumaran represented India. Afghan govt is being represented by Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Mohammad Hanif Atmar, Afghan President’s Special Representative on Peace Affairs Abdul Salam Rahimi and State Minister for Peace Affairs Seyed Sa’adat Mansour Naderi. In his speech, Abdullah Abdullah called for a "humanitarian ceasefire". Taliban is being represented by Abdul Ghani Baradar. US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo is in Qatar to attend the opening ceremony of Afghanistan peace negotiations. The Afghan government negotiating delegation reached for Doha on Friday to start peace negotiations with the Taliban group.

India extends support for 'immediate ceasefire' in Afghanistan; says Afghan process should respect rights of minorities

The historic intra-Afghan talks began in Doha today as India's foreign minister Jaishanker said&nbsp;Afghanistan's soil should never be used for any anti-India activities.

Watch:

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"Our expectation is that the soil of Afghanistan should never be used for any anti-India activities," India's foreign minister said, adding, "it must respect national sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan and must promote human rights &amp; democracy," while reiterating that it should be "Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-foreign-minister-jaishankar-virtually-joins-intra-afghan-ceremony-held-in-doha-327020">Also Read: India's foreign minister Jaishankar 'virtually' joins intra-Afghan ceremony held in Doha</a>

Meanwhile, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Taliban co-founder asserted the group's demand for an "Islamic system".

"I want all to consider Islam in their negotiations and agreements and not to sacrifice Islam to personal interests," Baradar said even as US secretary of state called both factions to "seize the opportunity".

"We will undoubtedly counter many challenges in the talks over the coming days, weeks and months. Remember, you are acting not only for this generation of Afghans but for future generations as well, your children and your grandchildren," the US secretary of state said.

The Afghan government's chief negotiator Abdullah Abdullah called for a "humanitarian ceasefire" with the Taliban.

"We have to stop violence and agree on a ceasefire as soon as possible. We want a humanitarian ceasefire," Abdullah said. "I can tell you with confidence that the history of our country will remember today as the end of the war and suffering of our people," he added.

The historic intra-Afghan talks began in Doha today as India's foreign minister Jaishanker said Afghanistan's soil should never be used for any anti-India activities.

The historic intra-Afghan talks began in Doha today as India's foreign minister Jaishanker said Afghanistan's soil should never be used for any anti-India activities. Watch: "Our expectation is that the soil of Afghanistan should never be used for any anti-India activities," India's foreign minister said, adding, "it must respect national sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan and must promote human rights & democracy," while reiterating that it should be "Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled". Also Read: India's foreign minister Jaishankar 'virtually' joins intra-Afghan ceremony held in Doha Meanwhile, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Taliban co-founder asserted the group's demand for an "Islamic system". "I want all to consider Islam in their negotiations and agreements and not to sacrifice Islam to personal interests," Baradar said even as US secretary of state called both factions to "seize the opportunity". "We will undoubtedly counter many challenges in the talks over the coming days, weeks and months. Remember, you are acting not only for this generation of Afghans but for future generations as well, your children and your grandchildren," the US secretary of state said. The Afghan government's chief negotiator Abdullah Abdullah called for a "humanitarian ceasefire" with the Taliban. "We have to stop violence and agree on a ceasefire as soon as possible. We want a humanitarian ceasefire," Abdullah said. "I can tell you with confidence that the history of our country will remember today as the end of the war and suffering of our people," he added.

We have to stop violence and agree on humanitarian ceasefire: Afghan government to Taliban during intra-Afghan talks

India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar has joined intra-Afghan talks ceremony "virtually" which is taking place in Doha.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-to-be-present-at-intra-afghan-talks-ceremony-in-doha-326898">Also Read:&nbsp;India to be present at intra-Afghan talks ceremony in Doha</a>

Joint Secretary, Pakistan Afghanistan &amp; Iran (PAI) division in ministry of external affairs, JP Singh is present physically at the ceremony.

India is present along with around 30 countries at the ceremony. All the countries that border Afghanistan have been invited which includes Iran, Pakistan and many central Asian countries.

The ceremony starts the process of negotiations between the Afghan government and Taliban. Official negotiations start on Monday.

Earlier this year, India was present at the signing of US Taliban deal which was signed on February 29 in Doha. The then Indian envoy in Doha P Kumaran represented India.

India is Afghanistan's major development partner and has built number infrastructure projects in the country like India Afghanistan friendship dam in the western province of Herat &amp; the Afghan Parliament in capital Kabul.&nbsp;

Afghan govt is being represented by Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Mohamamd Hanif Atmar, Afghan President’s Special Representative on Peace Affairs Abdul Salam Rahimi and State Minister for Peace Affairs Seyed Sa’adat Mansour Naderi. In his speech, Abdullah Abdullah called for a "humanitarian ceasefire".

Taliban is being represented by Abdul Ghani Baradar.&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo is in Qatar to attend the opening ceremony of Afghanistan peace negotiations. The Afghan government negotiating delegation reached for Doha on Friday to start peace negotiations with the Taliban group.&nbsp;

India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar has joined intra-Afghan talks ceremony "virtually" which is taking place in Doha. Also Read: India to be present at intra-Afghan talks ceremony in Doha Joint Secretary, Pakistan Afghanistan & Iran (PAI) division in ministry of external affairs, JP Singh is present physically at the ceremony.

India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar has joined intra-Afghan talks ceremony "virtually" which is taking place in Doha. Also Read: India to be present at intra-Afghan talks ceremony in Doha Joint Secretary, Pakistan Afghanistan & Iran (PAI) division in ministry of external affairs, JP Singh is present physically at the ceremony. India is present along with around 30 countries at the ceremony. All the countries that border Afghanistan have been invited which includes Iran, Pakistan and many central Asian countries. The ceremony starts the process of negotiations between the Afghan government and Taliban. Official negotiations start on Monday. Earlier this year, India was present at the signing of US Taliban deal which was signed on February 29 in Doha. The then Indian envoy in Doha P Kumaran represented India. India is Afghanistan's major development partner and has built number infrastructure projects in the country like India Afghanistan friendship dam in the western province of Herat & the Afghan Parliament in capital Kabul. Afghan govt is being represented by Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Mohamamd Hanif Atmar, Afghan President’s Special Representative on Peace Affairs Abdul Salam Rahimi and State Minister for Peace Affairs Seyed Sa’adat Mansour Naderi. In his speech, Abdullah Abdullah called for a "humanitarian ceasefire". Taliban is being represented by Abdul Ghani Baradar. US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo is in Qatar to attend the opening ceremony of Afghanistan peace negotiations. The Afghan government negotiating delegation reached for Doha on Friday to start peace negotiations with the Taliban group.

India's foreign minister Jaishankar 'virtually' joins intra-Afghan ceremony held in Doha

India will be present at the intra-Afghan talks ceremony that will happen on Saturday. The ceremony starts the process of negotiations between the Afghan government and Taliban. India will be present along with around 30 countries at the ceremony.&nbsp;

All the countries that border Afghanistan have been invited.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/after-months-of-delays-historic-afghan-peace-talks-to-open-326726">Also Read: After months of delays, 'historic' Afghan peace talks to open</a>

Earlier this year, India was present at the signing of US-Taliban deal which was signed on February 29 in Doha. The then Indian envoy in Doha P Kumaran represented India.&nbsp;

India is Afghanistan's major development partner and has built the India- Afghanistan friendship dam in the western province of Herat and the Afghan Parliament in capital Kabul.&nbsp;

The Afghan government negotiating delegation left for Doha on Friday to start peace negotiations with the Taliban group. The Afghan government will be represented by Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, Acting Afghan foreign minister Mohamamd Hanif Atmar, Afghan President’s Special Representative on Peace Affairs Abdul Salam Rahimi and State Minister for Peace Affairs Seyed Sa’adat Mansour Naderi.&nbsp;

The Afghan government in a statement said,"President Ghani wishes success for the negotiating delegation of the Afghan government on their mission to bring sustainable peace and stability to the country, which is the long-awaited aspiration of the people of Afghanistan."

The Taliban also in a statement confirmed the beginning of talks saying, "In line with the agreement signed between the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and the United States of America, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan would like to declare its readiness to partake in the inauguration ceremony of intra-Afghan negotiations".

The US welcomed the announcement that Afghanistan peace negotiations saying the "start of these talks marks a historic opportunity for Afghanistan to bring an end to four decades of war and bloodshed" and "This opportunity must not be squandered."

US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo will travel to Qatar to attend the opening ceremony of Afghanistan peace negotiations.

India will be present at the intra-Afghan talks ceremony that will happen on Saturday. The ceremony starts the process of negotiations between the Afghan government and Taliban.

India will be present at the intra-Afghan talks ceremony that will happen on Saturday. The ceremony starts the process of negotiations between the Afghan government and Taliban. India will be present along with around 30 countries at the ceremony. All the countries that border Afghanistan have been invited. Also Read: After months of delays, 'historic' Afghan peace talks to open Earlier this year, India was present at the signing of US-Taliban deal which was signed on February 29 in Doha. The then Indian envoy in Doha P Kumaran represented India. India is Afghanistan's major development partner and has built the India- Afghanistan friendship dam in the western province of Herat and the Afghan Parliament in capital Kabul. The Afghan government negotiating delegation left for Doha on Friday to start peace negotiations with the Taliban group. The Afghan government will be represented by Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, Acting Afghan foreign minister Mohamamd Hanif Atmar, Afghan President’s Special Representative on Peace Affairs Abdul Salam Rahimi and State Minister for Peace Affairs Seyed Sa’adat Mansour Naderi. The Afghan government in a statement said,"President Ghani wishes success for the negotiating delegation of the Afghan government on their mission to bring sustainable peace and stability to the country, which is the long-awaited aspiration of the people of Afghanistan." The Taliban also in a statement confirmed the beginning of talks saying, "In line with the agreement signed between the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and the United States of America, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan would like to declare its readiness to partake in the inauguration ceremony of intra-Afghan negotiations". The US welcomed the announcement that Afghanistan peace negotiations saying the "start of these talks marks a historic opportunity for Afghanistan to bring an end to four decades of war and bloodshed" and "This opportunity must not be squandered." US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo will travel to Qatar to attend the opening ceremony of Afghanistan peace negotiations.

India to be present at intra-Afghan talks ceremony in Doha

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Taliban deputy leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar discussed the start of the intra-Afghan talks and the ongoing situation in Afghanistan, local news reported citing the group`s spokesman Suhail Shaheen.

In the discussion held via video call, the two leaders called the release of the remaining Taliban prisoners important, Shaheen was quoted as saying while adding that the US secretary of state also welcomed the Eid ceasefire.The United States had welcomed the Taliban`s declaration of a three-day ceasefire for Eid ul-Adha, acting US Ambassador to Kabul Ross Wilson had said in a tweet on Tuesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-least-24-dead-in-mass-jailbreak-in-afghanistan-scores-of-prisoners-flee-317759">Also read:&nbsp;At least 24 dead in mass jailbreak in Afghanistan, scores of prisoners flee</a>

"I welcome the announcements of an Eid ceasefire: Afghans deserve to celebrate the holiday in peace. I look forward to both sides fulfilling their commitments and moving quickly to intra-Afghan negotiations," Wilson posted on Twitter.

The Taliban have committed to reducing violence as part of a peace agreement negotiated by the US in Doha on February 29. In addition to the mutual release of prisoners, the agreement was expected to launch intra-Afghan talks and pave the way for ending the almost two-decade-long confrontation between Kabul and the Taliban.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-ceasefire-holds-for-third-day-as-hundreds-of-taliban-prisoners-freed-317656">Also read:&nbsp;Afghan ceasefire holds for third day as hundreds of Taliban prisoners freed</a>

US and the NATO have started pulling out forces from Afghanistan following Washington`s peace deal with the Taliban. The second round of talks between the Taliban and the Afghanistan political leadership is yet to begin.

On Sunday, the Islamic State group ISIS claimed responsibility for an over 20-hour long attack on a prison in eastern Afghanistan`s Jalalabad that left at least 29 people dead and facilitated the escape of several hundred of their captured members.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Taliban deputy leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar discussed the start of the intra-Afghan talks and the ongoing situation in Afghanistan, local news reported citing the group`s spokesman Suhail Shaheen.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Taliban deputy leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar discussed the start of the intra-Afghan talks and the ongoing situation in Afghanistan, local news reported citing the group`s spokesman Suhail Shaheen. In the discussion held via video call, the two leaders called the release of the remaining Taliban prisoners important, Shaheen was quoted as saying while adding that the US secretary of state also welcomed the Eid ceasefire.The United States had welcomed the Taliban`s declaration of a three-day ceasefire for Eid ul-Adha, acting US Ambassador to Kabul Ross Wilson had said in a tweet on Tuesday. Also read: At least 24 dead in mass jailbreak in Afghanistan, scores of prisoners flee "I welcome the announcements of an Eid ceasefire: Afghans deserve to celebrate the holiday in peace. I look forward to both sides fulfilling their commitments and moving quickly to intra-Afghan negotiations," Wilson posted on Twitter. The Taliban have committed to reducing violence as part of a peace agreement negotiated by the US in Doha on February 29. In addition to the mutual release of prisoners, the agreement was expected to launch intra-Afghan talks and pave the way for ending the almost two-decade-long confrontation between Kabul and the Taliban. Also read: Afghan ceasefire holds for third day as hundreds of Taliban prisoners freed US and the NATO have started pulling out forces from Afghanistan following Washington`s peace deal with the Taliban. The second round of talks between the Taliban and the Afghanistan political leadership is yet to begin. On Sunday, the Islamic State group ISIS claimed responsibility for an over 20-hour long attack on a prison in eastern Afghanistan`s Jalalabad that left at least 29 people dead and facilitated the escape of several hundred of their captured members.

Mike Pompeo, Taliban deputy chief discuss intra-Afghan talks over video-call

United States Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad departed for Doha, Islamabad and Tashkent on Sunday to garner support to meet the remaining commitments ahead of intra-Afghan negotiations, specifically reduced violence and timely prisoner releases.

"US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad departed on June 28 for travel to Doha, Islamabad and Tashkent. At all three locations, Ambassador Khalilzad will urge support for all Afghans to meet their remaining commitments ahead of intra-Afghan negotiations, specifically reduced violence and timely prisoner releases," the US State Department said in a statement.

Khalilzad is joined by US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) CEO Adam Boehler and his team.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bomb-attack-kills-two-human-rights-workers-in-kabul-308990">Also read:&nbsp;Bomb attack kills two human rights workers in Kabul</a>

"Afghan peace, economic growth, and regional connectivity are closely linked and mutually supportive. The delegation will explore investment opportunities and partnerships in a range of sectors to advance the economic recovery of Afghanistan and support sustained peace and stability in the region," the department said.

The intra-Afghan talks were initially set to commence on March 10, under the US-Taliban peace deal, but were pushed back due to disagreements over the mutual release of prisoners. The Taliban, in particular, demanded that Kabul free all 5,000 prisoners at once.

However, the prisoner exchanges that have been taking place over the last few months, as well as the Eid al-Fitr ceasefire, demonstrated some potential for a breakthrough in the Afghan peace process.

Last week, Khalilzad said that intra-Afghan talks are closer than ever, praising Kabul for freeing over 3,000 Taliban prisoners and the Taliban for releasing more than 500 government prisoners.

"Due to the challenges of travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ambassador Khalilzad, CEO Boehler and their delegation will also conduct meetings with Afghan officials throughout the trip remotely via video," the statement further said.

United States Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad departed for Doha, Islamabad and Tashkent on Sunday to garner support to meet the remaining commitments ahead of intra-Afghan negotiations, specifically reduced violence and timely prisoner releases.

United States Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad departed for Doha, Islamabad and Tashkent on Sunday to garner support to meet the remaining commitments ahead of intra-Afghan negotiations, specifically reduced violence and timely prisoner releases. "US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad departed on June 28 for travel to Doha, Islamabad and Tashkent. At all three locations, Ambassador Khalilzad will urge support for all Afghans to meet their remaining commitments ahead of intra-Afghan negotiations, specifically reduced violence and timely prisoner releases," the US State Department said in a statement. Khalilzad is joined by US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) CEO Adam Boehler and his team. Also read: Bomb attack kills two human rights workers in Kabul "Afghan peace, economic growth, and regional connectivity are closely linked and mutually supportive. The delegation will explore investment opportunities and partnerships in a range of sectors to advance the economic recovery of Afghanistan and support sustained peace and stability in the region," the department said. The intra-Afghan talks were initially set to commence on March 10, under the US-Taliban peace deal, but were pushed back due to disagreements over the mutual release of prisoners. The Taliban, in particular, demanded that Kabul free all 5,000 prisoners at once. However, the prisoner exchanges that have been taking place over the last few months, as well as the Eid al-Fitr ceasefire, demonstrated some potential for a breakthrough in the Afghan peace process. Last week, Khalilzad said that intra-Afghan talks are closer than ever, praising Kabul for freeing over 3,000 Taliban prisoners and the Taliban for releasing more than 500 government prisoners. "Due to the challenges of travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ambassador Khalilzad, CEO Boehler and their delegation will also conduct meetings with Afghan officials throughout the trip remotely via video," the statement further said.

US special envoy Khalilzad travels to Pak to forge remaining commitments of intra-Afghan peace talks

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani has signed a decree to release 1,500 Taliban prisoners in order to begin intra-Afghan peace talks with the militant group that could see the end of the nearly two-decade war in the Middle Eastern country.

WION Dispatch: Ashraf Ghani agrees to release 5000 prisoners not 1500

Ashraf Ghani agrees to Taliban prisoners release