Donald Trump has said there is no fixed deadline for Iran to respond to Washington’s peace proposal as efforts continue to extend the fragile ceasefire between the two countries. The White House confirmed that the timeline for any agreement will depend on Tehran presenting a unified response, even as the U.S. maintains its naval blockade and diplomatic pressure.


US-Iran War: US President Trump Says No Deadline On Iran Peace Plan

Pakistan and China have called for the restoration of safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz amid rising tensions linked to the ongoing US-Iran conflict. Both countries stressed the importance of keeping critical global energy routes open and urged restraint to prevent further escalation that could disrupt international shipping and oil supplies. 


Pakistan, China Call for Restoring Navigation in Strait of Hormuz

Amid the ongoing US-Iran war, Washington has reportedly urged Tehran to keep the Strait of Hormuz open as part of a broader peace framework aimed at stabilising global energy markets and restoring maritime traffic through the critical oil corridor. 


US-Iran War: U.S. Wants Iran to Keep Strait of Hormuz Open Under Peace Plan

President Donald Trump’s new Board of Peace for Gaza faces a rocky start as key allies hesitate to join, and there are questions over $1 billion contributions for permanent seats. Trump has invited several countries to join the Board of Peace for Gaza. Watch for more on this!


Trump's Board of Peace: Allies not 'too willing' to join the board 

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has unveiled his most far-reaching peace proposal yet, signaling a willingness to pull Ukrainian troops back from parts of the eastern Donetsk region in exchange for a reciprocal Russian withdrawal.


Zelensky Bows to Putin as Ukraine Front Crumbles Before Russian Army

Ukraine’s President Zelensky has agreed to pull troops back from eastern Donetsk and proposes potential demilitarized zones as part of a new peace plan. The move signals a major concession aimed at reducing conflict with Russian forces and protecting civilians.

Potential Demilitarised Zones Part Of Peace Plan 

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has publicly responded to Donald Trump’s recent criticisms of Ukraine’s democratic legitimacy — including Trump’s claim that Ukraine had not held elections in a long time and that the country might “no longer be a democracy.


Trump says NATO calls me "daddy"; Ukraine to send US updated peace plan 

Turkey will host a meeting of foreign ministers from Muslim countries on Monday to discuss a US peace plan for Gaza, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said.

Fidan told reporters on Friday that the Istanbul meeting would “evaluate our progress and discuss what we can achieve together in the next stage”.

Turkey To Host Muslim Foreign Ministers on US Gaza Peace Plan

In a major breakthrough, Hamas has released 20 living Israeli hostages, marking a significant and emotional moment in the ongoing conflict. Families of the freed hostages are celebrating what they call a “historic moment.” 

Hamas Releases Remaining 20 Hostages | Families Celebrate Emotional Reunion

China presents a peace plan for the Palestine conflict, and says it wants to play an active role in ending the conflict. How is Israel reacting to the development and how can China's West Asia ambitions change the dynamics of the conflict? Ghadi Francis gets you the story.

Can China become a 'peacemaker' in West Asia? | The West Asia Post

The head of the Ukrainian President's office Andriy Yermak called Indian National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval seeking India's backing for the Ukrainian Peace Formula.

Ukraine's Andriy Yermak dials India's NSA Ajit Doval seeking support for peace plan

During the Shangri-La Dialogue summit in Singapore, Indonesia's defense minister Prabowo Subianto, put forth a plan to end the war between Russia and Ukraine. However, his proposal received prompt criticism from other attendees. Subianto called for immediate cessation of hostilities between Russia and Ukraine, citing the adverse effects of the conflict on Asian nations' economies and food supplies.

He suggested a ceasefire at the current positions of the conflicting parties and the establishment of demilitarised zones, which would be guaranteed by observers and United Nations peacekeeping forces. 
&nbsp; 
“I call on Russia and Ukraine to embark on an immediate cessation of hostilities,” Subianto said.&nbsp;

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Subianto also proposed a "referendum in the disputed areas" to be organised by the UN. Furthermore, he expressed Indonesia's readiness to contribute units to a potential UN peacekeeping operation.

Indonesia, following its non-aligned diplomacy approach, had previously attempted to mediate peace.&nbsp;

The Indonesian President, Joko Widodo, visited Kyiv and Moscow and held meetings with the leaders of both countries. However, Subianto's proposal faced criticism at the summit, with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell stating that peace in Ukraine must be achieved on "just" terms, implying a fair resolution.&nbsp;

Subianto responded by emphasising Indonesia's perspective and history, stating that he was presenting a conflict resolution plan without taking sides.

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"I'm putting forward a conflict resolution plan," he added. "I'm not saying who is right or who is wrong."

Indonesia had previously voted in favour of a UN resolution condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine, but it has not implemented economic sanctions against Moscow.

<h2>China's peace plan on Russia-Ukraine conflict&nbsp;</h2>

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a document called "China's Position on the Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis" on the anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Watch | Pakistan to begin barter trade with Afghanistan, Iran and Russia

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This document outlines a 12-point peace plan proposed by China to bring an end to the hostilities between Russia and Ukraine. The plan includes calling for a ceasefire, taking into account Russia's security concerns, providing humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, facilitating prisoner exchanges, and lifting unilateral sanctions, among other measures.

However, this peace plan was met with skepticism by European Union politicians due to its vagueness. While Beijing claims to be a neutral party in the conflict, it has faced criticism for its refusal to condemn Russia's invasion.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the United States and Western allies have provided substantial military and financial aid to Ukraine since the invasion.

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During the Shangri-La Dialogue summit in Singapore, Indonesia's defense minister Prabowo Subianto, put forth a plan to end the war between Russia and Ukraine. However, his proposal received prompt criticism from other attendees.

During the Shangri-La Dialogue summit in Singapore, Indonesia's defense minister Prabowo Subianto, put forth a plan to end the war between Russia and Ukraine. However, his proposal received prompt criticism from other attendees. Subianto called for immediate cessation of hostilities between Russia and Ukraine, citing the adverse effects of the conflict on Asian nations' economies and food supplies. He suggested a ceasefire at the current positions of the conflicting parties and the establishment of demilitarised zones, which would be guaranteed by observers and United Nations peacekeeping forces. “I call on Russia and Ukraine to embark on an immediate cessation of hostilities,” Subianto said. Also Read | India's electric two-wheeler retail sales hit record high in May 2023 Subianto also proposed a "referendum in the disputed areas" to be organised by the UN. Furthermore, he expressed Indonesia's readiness to contribute units to a potential UN peacekeeping operation. Indonesia, following its non-aligned diplomacy approach, had previously attempted to mediate peace. The Indonesian President, Joko Widodo, visited Kyiv and Moscow and held meetings with the leaders of both countries. However, Subianto's proposal faced criticism at the summit, with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell stating that peace in Ukraine must be achieved on "just" terms, implying a fair resolution. Subianto responded by emphasising Indonesia's perspective and history, stating that he was presenting a conflict resolution plan without taking sides. Also Read | Elon Musk's tweet on #WhatIsAWoman fans Twitter buzz. Here's all you need to know "I'm putting forward a conflict resolution plan," he added. "I'm not saying who is right or who is wrong." Indonesia had previously voted in favour of a UN resolution condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine, but it has not implemented economic sanctions against Moscow. China's peace plan on Russia-Ukraine conflict China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a document called "China's Position on the Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis" on the anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Watch | Pakistan to begin barter trade with Afghanistan, Iran and Russia × This document outlines a 12-point peace plan proposed by China to bring an end to the hostilities between Russia and Ukraine. The plan includes calling for a ceasefire, taking into account Russia's security concerns, providing humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, facilitating prisoner exchanges, and lifting unilateral sanctions, among other measures. However, this peace plan was met with skepticism by European Union politicians due to its vagueness. While Beijing claims to be a neutral party in the conflict, it has faced criticism for its refusal to condemn Russia's invasion. Meanwhile, the United States and Western allies have provided substantial military and financial aid to Ukraine since the invasion. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Indonesia’s peace plan to end Russia-Ukraine war draws criticism at Shangri-La Dialogue

French President Emmanuel Macron told his Chinese counterpart to persuade Russia to end the ongoing war in Ukraine as he held a crucial meeting with Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday (April 6). In response, Xi said that he also hoped that the two warring nations could hold peace negotiations as soon as possible.&nbsp;

Xi greeted Macron at the grand Great Hall of the People with an elaborate military parade and after that, the leaders went on to hold their talks and discussed trade ties and issues of mutual interest.&nbsp;

Both Macron and Xi advocated the urgency to pursue peace talks and also reaffirmed that they are opposed to using nuclear weapons in Ukraine.&nbsp;

Pointing towards China’s support for the United Nations Charter, which calls for respect of a country’s territorial integrity, and for nuclear agreements, Macron said, “I know I can count on you, under the two principles I just mentioned, to bring Russia to its senses and bring everyone back to the negotiating table.”

“We need to find a lasting peace. I believe that this is also an important issue for China, as much as it is for France and for Europe,” Macron told Xi. 
 
The Elysee Palace said that the talks were "frank and constructive", meanwhile Beijing said the discussions were "friendly" and "in-depth".&nbsp; 
 
Ahead of the meeting with Xi's, Macron met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and the French president stressed the importance of dialogue between China and France "in these troubled times".

<h2>Ukraine takes centre stage</h2>

Ukraine emerged to be a headline point during the talks between Xi and Macron, and both leaders agreed on the need to focus on "peace talks". The French president said that Beijing can play a "major role" in finding a path to peace in the conflict and welcomed China's "willingness to commit to a resolution".&nbsp;

Macron's visit comes against the backdrop of Beijing's peace plan&nbsp;to end the ongoing fighting in Ukraine. China had floated a peace plan as a 12-point foreign ministry paper for a gradual de-escalation of the war.&nbsp;

Macron said he is "counting" on Xi to persuade the Russian president, however, it appears to be unlikely, especially after the Chinese president's recent visit to Moscow and meeting with Vladimir Putin. Putin told his Chinese counterpart that their countries shared many "common goals" and also said that the visit was "symbolic".&nbsp;

Also, Beijing is officially neutral and Xi has never condemned the Russian invasion and has never spoken to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky since the war started last year in February. &nbsp; 
 
China is the biggest buyer of Russian oil and gas, and this trade has propped up the Kremlin's revenue amid sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;

<h2>No prospect of Chinese mediation</h2>

The Kremlin said it saw no "prospect" for China to mediate the Ukraine conflict and said it had "no other way" than to press on with its offensive.&nbsp;

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, "Undoubtedly, China has a very effective and commanding potential for mediation. But the situation with Ukraine is complex, so far there are no prospects for a political settlement. At the moment, there are no other ways for us aside from the continuation of the special military operation."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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French President Emmanuel Macron told his Chinese counterpart to persuade Russia to end the ongoing war in Ukraine as he held a crucial meeting with Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday (April 6).

French President Emmanuel Macron told his Chinese counterpart to persuade Russia to end the ongoing war in Ukraine as he held a crucial meeting with Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday (April 6). In response, Xi said that he also hoped that the two warring nations could hold peace negotiations as soon as possible. Xi greeted Macron at the grand Great Hall of the People with an elaborate military parade and after that, the leaders went on to hold their talks and discussed trade ties and issues of mutual interest. Both Macron and Xi advocated the urgency to pursue peace talks and also reaffirmed that they are opposed to using nuclear weapons in Ukraine. Pointing towards China’s support for the United Nations Charter, which calls for respect of a country’s territorial integrity, and for nuclear agreements, Macron said, “I know I can count on you, under the two principles I just mentioned, to bring Russia to its senses and bring everyone back to the negotiating table.” “We need to find a lasting peace. I believe that this is also an important issue for China, as much as it is for France and for Europe,” Macron told Xi. The Elysee Palace said that the talks were "frank and constructive", meanwhile Beijing said the discussions were "friendly" and "in-depth". Ahead of the meeting with Xi's, Macron met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and the French president stressed the importance of dialogue between China and France "in these troubled times". Ukraine takes centre stage Ukraine emerged to be a headline point during the talks between Xi and Macron, and both leaders agreed on the need to focus on "peace talks". The French president said that Beijing can play a "major role" in finding a path to peace in the conflict and welcomed China's "willingness to commit to a resolution". Macron's visit comes against the backdrop of Beijing's peace plan to end the ongoing fighting in Ukraine. China had floated a peace plan as a 12-point foreign ministry paper for a gradual de-escalation of the war. Macron said he is "counting" on Xi to persuade the Russian president, however, it appears to be unlikely, especially after the Chinese president's recent visit to Moscow and meeting with Vladimir Putin. Putin told his Chinese counterpart that their countries shared many "common goals" and also said that the visit was "symbolic". Also, Beijing is officially neutral and Xi has never condemned the Russian invasion and has never spoken to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky since the war started last year in February. China is the biggest buyer of Russian oil and gas, and this trade has propped up the Kremlin's revenue amid sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine. No prospect of Chinese mediation The Kremlin said it saw no "prospect" for China to mediate the Ukraine conflict and said it had "no other way" than to press on with its offensive. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, "Undoubtedly, China has a very effective and commanding potential for mediation. But the situation with Ukraine is complex, so far there are no prospects for a political settlement. At the moment, there are no other ways for us aside from the continuation of the special military operation." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Macron in China: French president wants Xi Jinping to ‘bring Russia to its senses’

Will China's peace plan work? Putin says he has viewed the plan carefully & with respect. But, will he sit down for talks with Zelensky? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Will China's peace plan work? | Will Putin sit down for talks with Zelensky?

Chinese President Xi Jinping will be on a two-day visit to Moscow from March 20 to 22. On agenda is brokering peace between Russia and Ukraine. China has been touting itself as a mediator, but its deepening ties with Russia have cast doubts. Mohammed Saleh reports.

Gravitas: Xi's Moscow visit | What if the peace plan fails?

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin met Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is on a visit to the European country, and lent his full support to Beijing’s recently proposed "peace" initiative amid the Ukraine war.&nbsp;

During a meeting between the leaders on Wednesday, Lukashenko told Xi, “Belarus has been actively proposing peace and fully supports your initiative on international security.” 
 
The meeting between Lukashenko and Xi&nbsp;led to a joint call by them for a cease-fire and negotiations to bring about a political settlement to the Ukraine conflict.

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The development comes after&nbsp;China recently said that it hopes to play a constructive role in resolving the geopolitical tensions between Russia and Ukraine and came up with the so-called peace plan in the form of a 12-point foreign ministry paper for a gradual de-escalation between the warring nations.&nbsp;

Lukashenko also called for a cease-fire and negotiations to end the Ukraine war which entered second year.&nbsp;He said the meeting is held at a very difficult time which requires "new nonstandard approaches and responsible political decisions," reported Belarusian Telegraph Agency (BelTA).&nbsp;

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“They should be aimed to prevent global confrontation which will have no winners. You have recently stated it, both clearly and unambiguously, addressing the world community," the Belarusian president added.&nbsp;

In a veiled reference to the US and other European nations, Xi said, “Relevant countries should stop politicizing and using the world economy as their tool, and take measures that truly advance a cease-fire and stop to war and resolve the crisis peacefully.”

“The core of China’s stance is to call for peace and encourage talks ... and for the legitimate security concerns of all countries to be respected,” Xi was quoted as saying by Chinese state broadcaster CCTV.

Meanwhile, Lukashenko also held a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and urged to give an impetus to the bilateral ties between the nations.&nbsp;

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“We have no closed topics for cooperation. We cooperate in all avenues. Most importantly, we have never set ourselves the task of being friends or working against third countries,” Lukashenko told Li.&nbsp;

In response to China's peace plan, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia paid a "lot of attention" to it and added that "for now, we don't see any of the conditions that are needed to bring this whole story towards peace."&nbsp;

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Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin met Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is on a visit to the European country, and lent his full support to Beijing’s recently proposed "peace" initiative amid the Ukraine war.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin met Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is on a visit to the European country, and lent his full support to Beijing’s recently proposed "peace" initiative amid the Ukraine war. During a meeting between the leaders on Wednesday, Lukashenko told Xi, “Belarus has been actively proposing peace and fully supports your initiative on international security.” The meeting between Lukashenko and Xi led to a joint call by them for a cease-fire and negotiations to bring about a political settlement to the Ukraine conflict. Also Read | Biden appoints two prominent Indian American corporate leaders to his Export Council The development comes after China recently said that it hopes to play a constructive role in resolving the geopolitical tensions between Russia and Ukraine and came up with the so-called peace plan in the form of a 12-point foreign ministry paper for a gradual de-escalation between the warring nations. Lukashenko also called for a cease-fire and negotiations to end the Ukraine war which entered second year. He said the meeting is held at a very difficult time which requires "new nonstandard approaches and responsible political decisions," reported Belarusian Telegraph Agency (BelTA). Also Read | BBC must follow law, EAM Jaishankar tells UK Foreign secretary “They should be aimed to prevent global confrontation which will have no winners. You have recently stated it, both clearly and unambiguously, addressing the world community," the Belarusian president added. In a veiled reference to the US and other European nations, Xi said, “Relevant countries should stop politicizing and using the world economy as their tool, and take measures that truly advance a cease-fire and stop to war and resolve the crisis peacefully.” “The core of China’s stance is to call for peace and encourage talks ... and for the legitimate security concerns of all countries to be respected,” Xi was quoted as saying by Chinese state broadcaster CCTV. Meanwhile, Lukashenko also held a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and urged to give an impetus to the bilateral ties between the nations. Watch | EU bans TikTok on work devices amid data security breaches “We have no closed topics for cooperation. We cooperate in all avenues. Most importantly, we have never set ourselves the task of being friends or working against third countries,” Lukashenko told Li. In response to China's peace plan, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia paid a "lot of attention" to it and added that "for now, we don't see any of the conditions that are needed to bring this whole story towards peace." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Putin’s ally Lukashenko, Xi hold talks, appeal for ceasefire, dialogue to end Ukraine war

The Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday that a Chinese peace plan on Ukraine that urges both sides to agree to a gradual de-escalation and warns against the use of nuclear weapons should be analysed in detail.

Kremlin: China's Ukraine peace plan should be analysed in detail

Russia rejects Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky's 10-point peace plan saying Kyiv is not ready for peace talks. Meanwhile, Moscow steps up offensive in multiple Ukrainian cities. Is Vladimir Putin irked by Zelensky's Washington visit? We get you more.

Gravitas: Russia steps up offensive In Kherson, Kyiv

In his speech to the UN General Assembly, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky pitched a "peace plan" to end the war in his country. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: Zelensky's "peace plan" demands punishment for Russia

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani will propose a new presidential election within six months, under a peace plan, he will put forward as a counter-offer to a US proposal that he rejects, two senior government officials told Reuters.&nbsp;

Ghani will unveil his proposal at an international gathering in Turkey next month, signalling his refusal to accept Washington's plan for his elected government to be replaced by an interim administration, the officials said.&nbsp;

Washington, which agreed last year to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan by May 1 after nearly two decades, is pressing for a peace deal to end war between the government and the Taliban. Talks between the Afghan sides in Qatar have stalled.&nbsp;

US Special Envoy Zalmay Khalilzad has been circulating a proposal, which would replace the Kabul government with an interim administration. But Ghani has voiced vehement opposition to any solution that requires his government to step aside for unelected successors.&nbsp;

"The counterproposal, which we are going to present at the Istanbul meeting, would be to call for early presidential elections if the Taliban agree on a ceasefire," one senior government official said on condition of anonymity.&nbsp;

Another Afghan government official said, "The president would never agree to step aside and any future government should be formed through democratic process, not a political deal."&nbsp;

A third senior official also said Ghani's proposal would include possible early elections, although he did not specify the exact time frame for the vote. The third official said Ghani had already shared his roadmap with Khalilzad.&nbsp;

With just weeks left before a deadline it agreed with Taliban last year to end the longest war in US history, Washington is seeking regional backing for its approach to push the Kabul government and insurgents to share power.&nbsp;

But diplomats and foreign officials have said it will be difficult to move forward with the US plans without Ghani's support.&nbsp;

During a visit to the region, which included stops in Doha and Islamabad, Khalilzad pushed for a conference to be hosted by Turkey with involvement from the United Nations next month.&nbsp;

The Afghan officials said that as part of Ghani's counter-proposal, his government would ask the UN to closely observe the new election to ensure it is accepted by all sides.&nbsp;

A presidential palace spokesman declined to comment.&nbsp;

Peace negotiations between the Afghan government and insurgent Taliban in Qatar's capital Doha have made little progress, while violence has increased.&nbsp;

The Taliban, which is fighting the foreign-backed government since being ousted from power by Afghan opponents and US air strikes in late 2001, have so far rejected a ceasefire and said they would not directly join an interim government.&nbsp;

Ghani was sworn in as president for a second five-year term in March last year after a disputed presidential election.&nbsp;

The new US administration led by President Joe Biden is reviewing its plans before May 1, the deadline agreed last year under the Donald Trump administration for the last 2,500 US troops to leave Afghanistan. Biden told broadcaster ABC last week that it would be 'tough' to meet the deadline.&nbsp;

The Taliban say there will be consequences if the United States does not meet the deadline to pull out.&nbsp;

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani will propose a new presidential election within six months, under a peace plan, he will put forward as a counter-offer to a US proposal that he rejects, two senior government officials told Reuters.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani will propose a new presidential election within six months, under a peace plan, he will put forward as a counter-offer to a US proposal that he rejects, two senior government officials told Reuters. Ghani will unveil his proposal at an international gathering in Turkey next month, signalling his refusal to accept Washington's plan for his elected government to be replaced by an interim administration, the officials said. Washington, which agreed last year to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan by May 1 after nearly two decades, is pressing for a peace deal to end war between the government and the Taliban. Talks between the Afghan sides in Qatar have stalled. US Special Envoy Zalmay Khalilzad has been circulating a proposal, which would replace the Kabul government with an interim administration. But Ghani has voiced vehement opposition to any solution that requires his government to step aside for unelected successors. "The counterproposal, which we are going to present at the Istanbul meeting, would be to call for early presidential elections if the Taliban agree on a ceasefire," one senior government official said on condition of anonymity. Another Afghan government official said, "The president would never agree to step aside and any future government should be formed through democratic process, not a political deal." A third senior official also said Ghani's proposal would include possible early elections, although he did not specify the exact time frame for the vote. The third official said Ghani had already shared his roadmap with Khalilzad. With just weeks left before a deadline it agreed with Taliban last year to end the longest war in US history, Washington is seeking regional backing for its approach to push the Kabul government and insurgents to share power. But diplomats and foreign officials have said it will be difficult to move forward with the US plans without Ghani's support. During a visit to the region, which included stops in Doha and Islamabad, Khalilzad pushed for a conference to be hosted by Turkey with involvement from the United Nations next month. The Afghan officials said that as part of Ghani's counter-proposal, his government would ask the UN to closely observe the new election to ensure it is accepted by all sides. A presidential palace spokesman declined to comment. Peace negotiations between the Afghan government and insurgent Taliban in Qatar's capital Doha have made little progress, while violence has increased. The Taliban, which is fighting the foreign-backed government since being ousted from power by Afghan opponents and US air strikes in late 2001, have so far rejected a ceasefire and said they would not directly join an interim government. Ghani was sworn in as president for a second five-year term in March last year after a disputed presidential election. The new US administration led by President Joe Biden is reviewing its plans before May 1, the deadline agreed last year under the Donald Trump administration for the last 2,500 US troops to leave Afghanistan. Biden told broadcaster ABC last week that it would be 'tough' to meet the deadline. The Taliban say there will be consequences if the United States does not meet the deadline to pull out.

Rejecting US peace plan, Afghan president to offer election in six months 

US President Donald Trump's Middle East plan has aroused a lukewarm response from Europe and the UN, and a furious criticism from key Muslim countries who condemned it as a betrayal of the Palestinians. Here are some of the responses from around to the world to the plan, which had already been resoundingly rejected by Palestinian leaders.

World reacts to Trump's West Asia Plan

Many have tried to bring peace between Israel and Palestine but failed. US President Donald Trump has initiated a plan for peace between the two countries. How is Trump's plan different and efficient from previous who tried? watch Report:

Key takeaways from Trump's West Asia plan

Trump's West Asia Plan was rejected by Palestinian leaders before they saw it but the architect of the plan Jared Kushner has said that the different parts of Palestine will be linked using tunnels, bridges and huge highways. Both Kushner and Trump has called this deal as the last chance to bring peace between Israel and Palestine.

Trump's West Asia Plan is the last chance to bring peace, Says Jared Kushner & Trump

WION spoke with Political consultant and expert on British politics, Jodie Cohen on Trump's West Asia Plan which indicates that Trump has outrightly handed over Jerusalem to Israel. Watch the video for more information.

Trump's West Asia Plan: Most Of West Bank Recognised As Israel

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