The Chinese envoy who toured European capitals last month seeking to promote&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;peace&nbsp;talks said on Friday that Beijing is considering another&nbsp;mission,&nbsp;after&nbsp;acknowledging that his trip may not produce immediate results.

At a news conference, Li Hui rejected a media report saying he promoted a ceasefire that would leave its ally Russia occupying parts of&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;and said Beijing would "do anything" to ease tensions.

However, there are high hurdles to finding common ground between the warring sides, he added.

"We felt that there is a big gap between both sides' positions ... Getting all sides to negotiate now would still face a lot of difficulties," said Li,&nbsp;China's special envoy for Eurasian affairs and a former long-serving ambassador to Moscow.

"China&nbsp;is willing to actively consider sending another delegation to relevant countries to engage in dialogue on resolving the&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;crisis," said Li, without elaborating on which countries.

In May, Li completed a 12-day tour of Kyiv, Warsaw, Paris, Berlin, Brussels and Moscow in what&nbsp;China&nbsp;said was a bid to find common ground for an eventual political settlement.

"The risk of escalation of the Russia-Ukraine&nbsp;war is still high," Li said, adding that all sides must take concrete measures to "cool down the situation" and ensure the safety of nuclear facilities.

"As long as it's conducive to easing the situation,&nbsp;China&nbsp;is willing to do anything," he said.

The United States and several European countries have urged Beijing to use its influence over Russia to seek an end to the crisis, although Beijing's refusal to condemn Moscow over the invasion has raised suspicion of its motives.

Li,&nbsp;China's ambassador to Moscow from 2009 to 2019, said Russia has appreciated&nbsp;China's desire and efforts to promote a&nbsp;peaceful settlement of the crisis.

Earlier this year,&nbsp;China&nbsp;published a 12-point&nbsp;peace&nbsp;plan, calling for the protection of civilians and the sovereignty of all countries be respected.

French and German officials with knowledge of Li's meetings in Europe said he had stuck closely to these talking points and had been eager to stress the role of the United States in escalating the crisis by supplying weapons to&nbsp;Ukraine.

"There was no&nbsp;peace&nbsp;plan. It was more of a session of doing a roundtable of each of our positions," said the French official, requesting anonymity to discuss sensitive meetings.

"I don't think we expect&nbsp;China&nbsp;to be a mediator, but it can use its influence on Russia and can help make it understand."

The Chinese envoy who toured European capitals last month seeking to promote Ukraine peace talks said on Friday that Beijing is considering another mission, after acknowledging that his trip may not produce immediate results.

The Chinese envoy who toured European capitals last month seeking to promote Ukraine peace talks said on Friday that Beijing is considering another mission, after acknowledging that his trip may not produce immediate results. At a news conference, Li Hui rejected a media report saying he promoted a ceasefire that would leave its ally Russia occupying parts of Ukraine and said Beijing would "do anything" to ease tensions. However, there are high hurdles to finding common ground between the warring sides, he added. "We felt that there is a big gap between both sides' positions ... Getting all sides to negotiate now would still face a lot of difficulties," said Li, China's special envoy for Eurasian affairs and a former long-serving ambassador to Moscow. "China is willing to actively consider sending another delegation to relevant countries to engage in dialogue on resolving the Ukraine crisis," said Li, without elaborating on which countries. In May, Li completed a 12-day tour of Kyiv, Warsaw, Paris, Berlin, Brussels and Moscow in what China said was a bid to find common ground for an eventual political settlement. "The risk of escalation of the Russia-Ukraine war is still high," Li said, adding that all sides must take concrete measures to "cool down the situation" and ensure the safety of nuclear facilities. "As long as it's conducive to easing the situation, China is willing to do anything," he said. The United States and several European countries have urged Beijing to use its influence over Russia to seek an end to the crisis, although Beijing's refusal to condemn Moscow over the invasion has raised suspicion of its motives. Li, China's ambassador to Moscow from 2009 to 2019, said Russia has appreciated China's desire and efforts to promote a peaceful settlement of the crisis. Earlier this year, China published a 12-point peace plan, calling for the protection of civilians and the sovereignty of all countries be respected. French and German officials with knowledge of Li's meetings in Europe said he had stuck closely to these talking points and had been eager to stress the role of the United States in escalating the crisis by supplying weapons to Ukraine. "There was no peace plan. It was more of a session of doing a roundtable of each of our positions," said the French official, requesting anonymity to discuss sensitive meetings. "I don't think we expect China to be a mediator, but it can use its influence on Russia and can help make it understand."

China weighs next Ukraine peace mission after first yields little progress

Moscow is willing to explore serious solutions for settling the Ukrainian crisis but will not accept ultimatums, according to a statement released on Saturday by Maria Zakharova, the spokeswoman for the Russian foreign ministry.&nbsp;

When commenting on Ukrainian foreign minister Dmitry Kuleba’s remark about the significance&nbsp;of Zelensky’s "peace formula," she said: "Unfortunately, it is another attempt by the Ukrainian authorities to mislead the international community and its own people," as reported by Tass news agency.&nbsp;

"Zelensky’s so-called ‘peace formula’ has nothing to do with peace. It is just a list of ultimatum demands for Russia, which are detached from reality. The plan particularly demands that Russian troops be withdrawn from Russian regions (the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics, the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions and even Crimea), Russia pay reparations and even plead guilty at international tribunals. The goal of the Ukrainian ‘peace formula’ is to make Russia surrender with Western help," Zakharova noted.

"We have repeatedly stated that we are open to really serious proposals from the West and Ukraine on finding a political and diplomatic solution to the crisis but we will not accept the language of ultimatums," the Russian diplomat added.&nbsp;

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"In order to ensure sustainable peace, there is a need to demand that the provision of weapons and mercenaries to Ukraine should come to an end, military activities should stop, Ukraine should restore its neutral status, and the new situation on the ground, which stems from the right of peoples to self-determination, should be recognized at the international level. In addition, the demilitarization and denazification of Ukraine need to take place, all threats coming from its territory need to be eliminated and its non-nuclear status needs to be guaranteed along with respect for the rights of Russian speakers and ethnic minorities," Zakharova said.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Russian President Vladimir Putin visits Crimea on ninth anniversary of annexation

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She said that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had made it apparent that the US was committed to continue equipping Ukraine rather than working to resolve the problem diplomatically.

Zakharova advised those nations who wished to assist in resolving the conflict to address Kiev and "its Western puppeteers, who have been dragging Ukraine into the dangerous whirlpool of a global confrontation" with their appeals for peace.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

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Moscow is willing to explore serious solutions for settling the Ukrainian crisis but will not accept ultimatums, according to a statement released on Saturday by Maria Zakharova, the spokeswoman for the Russian foreign ministry.

Moscow is willing to explore serious solutions for settling the Ukrainian crisis but will not accept ultimatums, according to a statement released on Saturday by Maria Zakharova, the spokeswoman for the Russian foreign ministry. When commenting on Ukrainian foreign minister Dmitry Kuleba’s remark about the significance of Zelensky’s "peace formula," she said: "Unfortunately, it is another attempt by the Ukrainian authorities to mislead the international community and its own people," as reported by Tass news agency. "Zelensky’s so-called ‘peace formula’ has nothing to do with peace. It is just a list of ultimatum demands for Russia, which are detached from reality. The plan particularly demands that Russian troops be withdrawn from Russian regions (the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics, the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions and even Crimea), Russia pay reparations and even plead guilty at international tribunals. The goal of the Ukrainian ‘peace formula’ is to make Russia surrender with Western help," Zakharova noted. "We have repeatedly stated that we are open to really serious proposals from the West and Ukraine on finding a political and diplomatic solution to the crisis but we will not accept the language of ultimatums," the Russian diplomat added. ALSO READ | After Crimea, Russian President Vladimir Putin makes a visit to occupied Mariupol "In order to ensure sustainable peace, there is a need to demand that the provision of weapons and mercenaries to Ukraine should come to an end, military activities should stop, Ukraine should restore its neutral status, and the new situation on the ground, which stems from the right of peoples to self-determination, should be recognized at the international level. In addition, the demilitarization and denazification of Ukraine need to take place, all threats coming from its territory need to be eliminated and its non-nuclear status needs to be guaranteed along with respect for the rights of Russian speakers and ethnic minorities," Zakharova said. ALSO WATCH | Russian President Vladimir Putin visits Crimea on ninth anniversary of annexation She said that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had made it apparent that the US was committed to continue equipping Ukraine rather than working to resolve the problem diplomatically. Zakharova advised those nations who wished to assist in resolving the conflict to address Kiev and "its Western puppeteers, who have been dragging Ukraine into the dangerous whirlpool of a global confrontation" with their appeals for peace. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Russia open to serious proposals on resolving Ukrainian crisis: Envoy Maria Zakharova

Chad's military government and dozens of opposition groups started&nbsp;peace&nbsp;talks&nbsp;on Sunday in&nbsp;Qatar&nbsp;as a first step towards ending a rebellion and holding elections.

The landlocked African nation was thrown into turmoil by the killing of longtime leader Idriss Deby Itno in battle with rebels in the country's north last April.&nbsp;

His son, Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, took over the country after his death, fronting a 15-member military junta and vowing to hold free elections.

Chad's Prime Minister Albert Pahimi Padacke and African Union Commission head Moussa Faki Mahamat told the opening of the conference that both sides would have to make "concessions" for the&nbsp;talks&nbsp;to succeed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/qatar-to-become-major-non-nato-ally-us-president-biden-tells-emir-449366">Qatar to become major non-NATO ally, US President Biden tells emir</a>

But the process risks being protracted and complicated.

Some 44 armed rebel and opposition groups were invited to the Doha meeting -- though some were missing at the opening, which had already been delayed from February 27.

Diplomats said these "precursor"&nbsp;talks&nbsp;could take weeks and that a planned "national dialogue" due to&nbsp;start&nbsp;on May 10 may have to be delayed.

Under the younger Deby's plan, the dialogue would be a prelude to agreeing on a new constitution and then holding elections.

Chad&nbsp;has a long history of volatility since gaining independence from France in 1960 and tens of thousands have died in various conflicts.

It has a large and shifting constellation of armed opposition groups.

"The situation in&nbsp;Chad&nbsp;is very serious, we have to deliver this," the African Union's Faki said in his address to the government and armed groups.

Padacke said that "peace&nbsp;requires more courage and maturity than war".

"Real courage does not mean brandishing your weapon but to have the courage to lay it down", added the prime minister.

He also said success in the&nbsp;talks&nbsp;would help stabilise the whole Sahel region where radical Islamist groups have staged regular attacks.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-spat-with-airbus-qatar-airways-mega-airplane-order-goes-to-boeing-449397">After spat with Airbus, Qatar Airways’ mega airplane order goes to Boeing</a>

Libya's Foreign Minister Najla al-Mangoush also said that the&nbsp;peace&nbsp;process would be crucial to improving stability and help "fight terrorism" in the Sahel.

As a condition for the Doha&nbsp;talks, Chadian rebels called for a general amnesty and the release of "prisoners of war" and the return of confiscated assets.

The military government says it has released hundreds of prisoners and amnestied several prominent leaders.&nbsp;

However, it has so far excluded the Front for Change and Concord in&nbsp;Chad&nbsp;(FACT) -- the Libya-based group that launched the offensive in which Idriss Deby Itno was killed.

Watch |&nbsp;US President Biden designates Qatar as a major Non-NATO ally

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FACT leader Mahamat Mahdi Ali was not at the&nbsp;talks.

Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, a 38-year-old four-star general, took the helm last April.

The elder Deby himself came to power at the head of a rebel force in 1990.&nbsp;In 2008 and again in 2019, columns of fighters came close to forcing him out, but each time were thwarted by French military power.

Chad's military government and dozens of opposition groups started peace talks on Sunday in Qatar as a first step towards ending a rebellion and holding elections.

Chad's military government and dozens of opposition groups started peace talks on Sunday in Qatar as a first step towards ending a rebellion and holding elections. The landlocked African nation was thrown into turmoil by the killing of longtime leader Idriss Deby Itno in battle with rebels in the country's north last April. His son, Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, took over the country after his death, fronting a 15-member military junta and vowing to hold free elections. Chad's Prime Minister Albert Pahimi Padacke and African Union Commission head Moussa Faki Mahamat told the opening of the conference that both sides would have to make "concessions" for the talks to succeed. Also read | Qatar to become major non-NATO ally, US President Biden tells emir But the process risks being protracted and complicated. Some 44 armed rebel and opposition groups were invited to the Doha meeting -- though some were missing at the opening, which had already been delayed from February 27. Diplomats said these "precursor" talks could take weeks and that a planned "national dialogue" due to start on May 10 may have to be delayed. Under the younger Deby's plan, the dialogue would be a prelude to agreeing on a new constitution and then holding elections. Chad has a long history of volatility since gaining independence from France in 1960 and tens of thousands have died in various conflicts. It has a large and shifting constellation of armed opposition groups. "The situation in Chad is very serious, we have to deliver this," the African Union's Faki said in his address to the government and armed groups. Padacke said that "peace requires more courage and maturity than war". "Real courage does not mean brandishing your weapon but to have the courage to lay it down", added the prime minister. He also said success in the talks would help stabilise the whole Sahel region where radical Islamist groups have staged regular attacks. Also read | After spat with Airbus, Qatar Airways’ mega airplane order goes to Boeing Libya's Foreign Minister Najla al-Mangoush also said that the peace process would be crucial to improving stability and help "fight terrorism" in the Sahel. As a condition for the Doha talks, Chadian rebels called for a general amnesty and the release of "prisoners of war" and the return of confiscated assets. The military government says it has released hundreds of prisoners and amnestied several prominent leaders. However, it has so far excluded the Front for Change and Concord in Chad (FACT) -- the Libya-based group that launched the offensive in which Idriss Deby Itno was killed. Watch | US President Biden designates Qatar as a major Non-NATO ally FACT leader Mahamat Mahdi Ali was not at the talks. Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, a 38-year-old four-star general, took the helm last April. The elder Deby himself came to power at the head of a rebel force in 1990. In 2008 and again in 2019, columns of fighters came close to forcing him out, but each time were thwarted by French military power.

Chad peace talks start in Qatar

Amid the final drawdown of US troops from Afghanistan, the Taliban has agreed to begin substantive talks with the Republic team in Doha in the coming days, which would end the peace process stalemate.

According to Tolo News, the Taliban group plans to attend the Istanbul summit but wants the end negotiations to take place in Doha. The negotiating teams met in Doha on May 14 after a long pause.

Also read-&nbsp;Afghanistan: Taliban resumes shooting as ceasefire ends

Sources familiar with the meeting said the Taliban has asked to maintain the Doha negotiations--with serious discussions-- but they want the final outcome to be achieved in Doha, not in Istanbul.

Also read-&nbsp;Afghan govt delegation, Taliban discuss peace talks in Qatar&nbsp;

"I think that this will open the way for an Istanbul conference where the Taliban will attend. They might make the agenda based on who in the Afghan government team will attend, not based on the US agenda," said Sayed Akbar Agha, a former Taliban commander said to Tolo news.

The Republic team said that efforts in Doha and Istanbul will help achieve results in the negotiations, but they stressed that the Taliban's commitment is key.

"A meeting will be meaningful when the attendees include decision-makers and when there is a commitment for decision making. Only participation of high-ranking leaders can affect the current Doha process," said Fawzia Koofi, member of the negotiating team of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, a delegation representing the Taliban led by Shai Abdul Hakim Haqqani has been in Pakistan over the last 20 days discussing with the leadership of the group the details of attending the Istanbul summit and the withdrawal of international troops from Afghanistan.

"Pakistan's influence on the Taliban and the possible encouragement from Pakistan of course has an impact," said Mohammad Amin Waqad, former deputy head of the High Peace Council, as reported by Tolo news.

President Ashraf Ghani has emphasised the need for a decision on peace by the regional players, and for Europe's much-needed role to 'get Pakistan on board'&nbsp;on the ongoing peace talks with Taliban.

"Peace will primarily be decided upon regionally, and I believe we are at a crucial moment of rethinking. It is first and foremost a matter of getting Pakistan on board. The US now plays only a minor role. The question of peace or hostility is now in Pakistani hands," Ghani told the German news website, Der Spiegel, in an interview.

Over Pakistan's influence on the Taliban, Ghani said, "Pakistan operates an organized system of support. The Taliban receive logistics there, their finances are there and recruitment is there."

"The names of the various decision-making bodies of the Taliban are Quetta Shura, Miramshah Shura, and Peshawar Shura - named after the Pakistani cities where they are located. There is a deep relationship with the state," he added.

The negotiations in Doha were stalled after the announcement of a delay in US forces withdrawal in Afghanistan from the original May 1&nbsp;deadline.

Amid the final drawdown of US troops from Afghanistan, the Taliban has agreed to begin substantive talks with the Republic team in Doha in the coming days, which would end the peace process stalemate.

Amid the final drawdown of US troops from Afghanistan, the Taliban has agreed to begin substantive talks with the Republic team in Doha in the coming days, which would end the peace process stalemate. According to Tolo News, the Taliban group plans to attend the Istanbul summit but wants the end negotiations to take place in Doha. The negotiating teams met in Doha on May 14 after a long pause. Also read- Afghanistan: Taliban resumes shooting as ceasefire ends Sources familiar with the meeting said the Taliban has asked to maintain the Doha negotiations--with serious discussions-- but they want the final outcome to be achieved in Doha, not in Istanbul. Also read- Afghan govt delegation, Taliban discuss peace talks in Qatar "I think that this will open the way for an Istanbul conference where the Taliban will attend. They might make the agenda based on who in the Afghan government team will attend, not based on the US agenda," said Sayed Akbar Agha, a former Taliban commander said to Tolo news. The Republic team said that efforts in Doha and Istanbul will help achieve results in the negotiations, but they stressed that the Taliban's commitment is key. "A meeting will be meaningful when the attendees include decision-makers and when there is a commitment for decision making. Only participation of high-ranking leaders can affect the current Doha process," said Fawzia Koofi, member of the negotiating team of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. Meanwhile, a delegation representing the Taliban led by Shai Abdul Hakim Haqqani has been in Pakistan over the last 20 days discussing with the leadership of the group the details of attending the Istanbul summit and the withdrawal of international troops from Afghanistan. "Pakistan's influence on the Taliban and the possible encouragement from Pakistan of course has an impact," said Mohammad Amin Waqad, former deputy head of the High Peace Council, as reported by Tolo news. President Ashraf Ghani has emphasised the need for a decision on peace by the regional players, and for Europe's much-needed role to 'get Pakistan on board' on the ongoing peace talks with Taliban. "Peace will primarily be decided upon regionally, and I believe we are at a crucial moment of rethinking. It is first and foremost a matter of getting Pakistan on board. The US now plays only a minor role. The question of peace or hostility is now in Pakistani hands," Ghani told the German news website, Der Spiegel, in an interview. Over Pakistan's influence on the Taliban, Ghani said, "Pakistan operates an organized system of support. The Taliban receive logistics there, their finances are there and recruitment is there." "The names of the various decision-making bodies of the Taliban are Quetta Shura, Miramshah Shura, and Peshawar Shura - named after the Pakistani cities where they are located. There is a deep relationship with the state," he added. The negotiations in Doha were stalled after the announcement of a delay in US forces withdrawal in Afghanistan from the original May 1 deadline.

Taliban open to Istanbul summit but wants end negotiations to take place in Doha

Special US Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad discussed the steps required for the start of the intra-Afghan negotiations during his meeting with Pakistan Army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa, the American embassy in Islamabad said on Monday.

Khalilzad visited Islamabad on Sunday and held talks with Bajwa on the Afghan peace process. He is travelling to Qatar, Pakistan and Afghanistan as part of efforts to bring peace in the war-torn country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/intra-afghan-talks-to-be-held-in-doha-304080">Also read:&nbsp;Intra-Afghan talks to be held in Doha</a>

During the three-nation tour, Khalilzad will review commitments in the recently signed US-Taliban Agreement and the US-Afghanistan Joint Declaration, specifically reducing violence and prisoner releases. The US has lost over 2,400 soldiers in Afghanistan since late 2001.

The US embassy said in a statement that in the meeting with General Bajwa, Ambassador Khalilzad discussed the steps required for the start of intra-Afghan negotiations.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-warns-of-disaster-as-virus-infections-surge-303866">Also read:&nbsp;Afghanistan warns of 'disaster' as virus infections surge</a>

"The two took note of recent progress created by the Eid ceasefire and accelerated prisoner releases as well as reduced violence ahead of intra-Afghan negotiations,"&nbsp;it said.

Khalilzad "expressed his appreciation for the role Prime Minister Imran Khan and General Bajwa are playing in support of peace in Afghanistan," it said.

They agreed that peace in Afghanistan offers an unprecedented opportunity to advance security, connectivity and development for the region, it said.

Earlier, the Pakistan Army said on Sunday that "matters of mutual interest, overall regional security situation, including Afghan refugees issue/Afghan reconciliation process and Pak-Afghan border management were discussed"&nbsp;in the meeting. 
It said that the two sides shared steps taken towards this and agreed to continue working towards mutually agreed goals, it said.

Special US Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad discussed the steps required for the start of the intra-Afghan negotiations during his meeting with Pakistan Army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa, the American embassy in Islamabad said on Monday.

Special US Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad discussed the steps required for the start of the intra-Afghan negotiations during his meeting with Pakistan Army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa, the American embassy in Islamabad said on Monday. Khalilzad visited Islamabad on Sunday and held talks with Bajwa on the Afghan peace process. He is travelling to Qatar, Pakistan and Afghanistan as part of efforts to bring peace in the war-torn country. Also read: Intra-Afghan talks to be held in Doha During the three-nation tour, Khalilzad will review commitments in the recently signed US-Taliban Agreement and the US-Afghanistan Joint Declaration, specifically reducing violence and prisoner releases. The US has lost over 2,400 soldiers in Afghanistan since late 2001. The US embassy said in a statement that in the meeting with General Bajwa, Ambassador Khalilzad discussed the steps required for the start of intra-Afghan negotiations. Also read: Afghanistan warns of 'disaster' as virus infections surge "The two took note of recent progress created by the Eid ceasefire and accelerated prisoner releases as well as reduced violence ahead of intra-Afghan negotiations," it said. Khalilzad "expressed his appreciation for the role Prime Minister Imran Khan and General Bajwa are playing in support of peace in Afghanistan," it said. They agreed that peace in Afghanistan offers an unprecedented opportunity to advance security, connectivity and development for the region, it said. Earlier, the Pakistan Army said on Sunday that "matters of mutual interest, overall regional security situation, including Afghan refugees issue/Afghan reconciliation process and Pak-Afghan border management were discussed" in the meeting. It said that the two sides shared steps taken towards this and agreed to continue working towards mutually agreed goals, it said.

US spl envoy Khalilzad, Pak Army chief Bajwa discuss Afghan peace process

A request for resuming peace talks was made in a joint video call between the foreign ministers of Germany, France and Italy and the EU`s top diplomat on. The video call took place on Saturday and a humanitarian truce was called by the officials.

"We want to unite our voices to those of the U.N. Secretary-General (Antonio) Guterres and his Acting Special Representative for Libya, Stephanie Turco Williams, in their call for a humanitarian truce in Libya," the statement said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-impact-is-covid-19-having-on-war-torn-areas-like-yemen-syria-libya-290652">Also read: What impact is COVID-19 having on worn-torn areas like Yemen, Syria, Libya</a>

"We call on all the Libyan actors to get inspired by the spirit of the Holy Ramadan, engage in resuming talks for a genuine ceasefire," said the statement, signed by the EU`s Josep Borrell, France`s Jean-Yves Le Drian, Italy`s Luigi di Maio and Heiko Maas of Germany.

The conflicts in conflicts in the western areas of Libya had escalated this month, despite several urgent calls from the U.N. for a truce.&nbsp;

While the European Union has been able to stop the transportation of artillery from eastern Mediterranean side, it has not been able to stop the transfer from the Egypt-Libya land border.

A request for resuming peace talks was made in a joint video call between the foreign ministers of Germany, France and Italy and the EU`s top diplomat on. The video call took place on Saturday and a humanitarian truce was called by the officials.

A request for resuming peace talks was made in a joint video call between the foreign ministers of Germany, France and Italy and the EU`s top diplomat on. The video call took place on Saturday and a humanitarian truce was called by the officials. "We want to unite our voices to those of the U.N. Secretary-General (Antonio) Guterres and his Acting Special Representative for Libya, Stephanie Turco Williams, in their call for a humanitarian truce in Libya," the statement said. Also read: What impact is COVID-19 having on worn-torn areas like Yemen, Syria, Libya "We call on all the Libyan actors to get inspired by the spirit of the Holy Ramadan, engage in resuming talks for a genuine ceasefire," said the statement, signed by the EU`s Josep Borrell, France`s Jean-Yves Le Drian, Italy`s Luigi di Maio and Heiko Maas of Germany. The conflicts in conflicts in the western areas of Libya had escalated this month, despite several urgent calls from the U.N. for a truce. While the European Union has been able to stop the transportation of artillery from eastern Mediterranean side, it has not been able to stop the transfer from the Egypt-Libya land border.

Europe calls for humanitarian truce in Libya

In a conversation with WION, Suhail Shaheen, spokesperson of Taliban political office, said that no "specific date is fixed for resumption of talks with the US". Shaheen's statement comes in the backdrop of US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad's visit to Afghanistan.

Khalilzad arrived in the Afghan capital, Kabul, on Wednesday to discuss ways to end the war in Afghanistan and discuss ceasefire and peace deal with President Ashraf Ghani.

The US state department said that Khalilzad will be flying to Qatar to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-envoy-to-rejoin-doha-talks-with-taliban-after-kabul-visit-state-department-266270">meet Taliban negotiators</a>, news agency Reuters reported.

"The two sides will rejoin the discussion on how to reduce violence," said a State Department spokeswoman.

Shaheen told WION's Anas Mallick that their position on the agreement remains the same.&nbsp;

"The agreement is already in place and finalised. Both the sides have talked about and finalized it in the ninth rounds of talks and had also finalised the mechanism of its implementation. We stand by the agreement," Shaheen said adding that talks are expected to resume next week but no specific date has been decided yet.&nbsp;

In a conversation with WION, Suhail Shaheen, spokesperson of Taliban political office, said that no "specific date is fixed for resumption of talks with the US".

In a conversation with WION, Suhail Shaheen, spokesperson of Taliban political office, said that no "specific date is fixed for resumption of talks with the US". Shaheen's statement comes in the backdrop of US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad's visit to Afghanistan. Khalilzad arrived in the Afghan capital, Kabul, on Wednesday to discuss ways to end the war in Afghanistan and discuss ceasefire and peace deal with President Ashraf Ghani. The US state department said that Khalilzad will be flying to Qatar to meet Taliban negotiators, news agency Reuters reported. "The two sides will rejoin the discussion on how to reduce violence," said a State Department spokeswoman. Shaheen told WION's Anas Mallick that their position on the agreement remains the same. "The agreement is already in place and finalised. Both the sides have talked about and finalized it in the ninth rounds of talks and had also finalised the mechanism of its implementation. We stand by the agreement," Shaheen said adding that talks are expected to resume next week but no specific date has been decided yet.

No specific date fixed for resumption of talks with US: Taliban political office spokesperson tells WION

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Wednesday that his government would try to revive Afghanistan peace talks that recently broke down between the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-now-dead-us-taliban-talks-lacked-strategic-vision-248969">United States and the Taliban</a> militant group.

"I assure you that we will use full force so that these dialogues proceed further. It is unfortunate that these peace talks were suspended," Khan said at a ceremony at Pakistan's Torkham border crossing with Afghanistan.

"We will try our best to revive the Afghan peace process."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/american-trust-in-pakistan-and-taliban-difficult-to-comprehend-249470">US&nbsp;President Donald Trump</a> abruptly cancelled secret talks with the Taliban at his Camp David retreat that were planned for September&nbsp;8 and has since said the talks are "dead."

Khan is scheduled to address the United Nations General Assembly this month.

Khan also said there was "no chance of talks" with India about its clampdown on the disputed territory of Kashmir until it lifted a curfew for people there.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Wednesday that his government would try to revive Afghanistan peace talks that recently broke down between the United States and the Taliban militant group.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Wednesday that his government would try to revive Afghanistan peace talks that recently broke down between the United States and the Taliban militant group. "I assure you that we will use full force so that these dialogues proceed further. It is unfortunate that these peace talks were suspended," Khan said at a ceremony at Pakistan's Torkham border crossing with Afghanistan. "We will try our best to revive the Afghan peace process." US President Donald Trump abruptly cancelled secret talks with the Taliban at his Camp David retreat that were planned for September 8 and has since said the talks are "dead." Khan is scheduled to address the United Nations General Assembly this month. Khan also said there was "no chance of talks" with India about its clampdown on the disputed territory of Kashmir until it lifted a curfew for people there.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan aims to restart Afghan peace talks

A fresh round of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/trump-touts-afghan-peace-progress-but-warns-can-kill-millions-240335">US-Taliban peace talks</a> began in Qatar's capital&nbsp;Doha&nbsp;on Saturday, officials said, describing it to be the "most crucial" phase of negotiations to end the 18-year war in Afghanistan.

Senior officials privy to the talks said a peace agreement could be expected at the end of the eighth round of talks, possibly before August 13, and would enable foreign forces to be withdrawn from the war-torn country.

Zalmay Khalilzad, the US peace envoy for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/young-afghans-wary-as-possible-us-taliban-deal-nears-240301">Afghanistan</a> who has held a series of meetings with Taliban leaders since last year, reached&nbsp;Doha&nbsp;on Friday night.

"Just got to&nbsp;Doha&nbsp;to resume talks with the Taliban. We are pursuing a peace agreement not a withdrawal agreement," Khalilzad wrote on Twitter.

"A peace agreement that enables withdrawal. Our (US)&nbsp;presence in Afghanistan is conditions-based, and any withdrawal will be conditions-based," he said, adding the Taliban are signalling they would conclude an agreement.

"We are ready for a good agreement."

Two sources with knowledge of the talks said an agreement on the withdrawal of foreign forces in exchange for security guarantees by the Taliban is expected before August 13

About 20,000 foreign troops, most of them American, are now in Afghanistan as part of a US-led NATO mission to train, assist and advise Afghan forces.

The hardline Islamist Taliban group now controls more territory than at any point since the United States bombed them out of power in 2001.

Two Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen and Zabihullah Mujahid said a 19-member Taliban negotiation team will represent them in the&nbsp;Doha&nbsp;peace talks.

"The issue of forces withdrawal has prolonged the peace talks and delayed the deal," said a senior Taliban commander based in Afghanistan on conditions of anonymity.

"There was no way we would allow permanent stay of US forces in Afghanistan after signing a peace deal with them," he said, adding that Taliban will provide complete assurance that no foreign militant group will be allowed to use Afghanistan to launch attacks against the United States and its allies.

Leaders of the insurgent group have repeatedly stated that a ceasefire or talks with the Afghan government and civil society members will not take place until the United States announces a plan for foreign force withdrawal from Afghanistan.

US President Donald Trump wants combat forces reduced in Afghanistan by the next US presidential election in November 2020, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said last month.

Uncertainty

Fighting in Afghanistan has not subsided. More than 1,500 civilians were killed and injured in July, a record monthly toll this year, and the highest number documented in a month since May 2017, United Nations of Assistance Mission in Afghanistan said in a statement on Saturday.

Many Afghans fear a US troop withdrawal announcement will weaken their bargaining power with the hardline Islamist group, which aims to re-establish an Islamic emirate to replace an elected government it dismisses as puppets of foreign forces.

Women’s rights groups in particular worry about the fate of women and girls in the event of a return of the Taliban, who banned girls’ education and imposed severe restrictions on women’s rights to work outside the home.

The sense of uncertainty revolving around the peace talks has become a source of distress with many Afghans fearing a complete collapse of law and order if the United States fails to protect basic freedom guaranteed under the Afghan constitution.

In June, Pompeo said he hoped for a peace deal with the Taliban before September 1.

"The Americans are being hasty to sign the deal. Right now it feels like we will wake up one morning and find the Taliban government has been installed," said Mustafa Karimi, a shopkeeper in Kabul whose brother was killed last year by the Taliban during clashes with Afghan forces.

"Taliban often use Afghan civilians as human shields and now the US are also putting our lives at risk to exit out of Afghanistan," he said.

"We are doomed if the peace talks don't protect our basic rights and freedom."

A fresh round of US-Taliban peace talks began in Qatar's capital Doha on Saturday, officials said, describing it to be the "most crucial" phase of negotiations to end the 18-year war in Afghanistan.

A fresh round of US-Taliban peace talks began in Qatar's capital Doha on Saturday, officials said, describing it to be the "most crucial" phase of negotiations to end the 18-year war in Afghanistan. Senior officials privy to the talks said a peace agreement could be expected at the end of the eighth round of talks, possibly before August 13, and would enable foreign forces to be withdrawn from the war-torn country. Zalmay Khalilzad, the US peace envoy for Afghanistan who has held a series of meetings with Taliban leaders since last year, reached Doha on Friday night. "Just got to Doha to resume talks with the Taliban. We are pursuing a peace agreement not a withdrawal agreement," Khalilzad wrote on Twitter. "A peace agreement that enables withdrawal. Our (US) presence in Afghanistan is conditions-based, and any withdrawal will be conditions-based," he said, adding the Taliban are signalling they would conclude an agreement. "We are ready for a good agreement." Two sources with knowledge of the talks said an agreement on the withdrawal of foreign forces in exchange for security guarantees by the Taliban is expected before August 13 About 20,000 foreign troops, most of them American, are now in Afghanistan as part of a US-led NATO mission to train, assist and advise Afghan forces. The hardline Islamist Taliban group now controls more territory than at any point since the United States bombed them out of power in 2001. Two Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen and Zabihullah Mujahid said a 19-member Taliban negotiation team will represent them in the Doha peace talks. "The issue of forces withdrawal has prolonged the peace talks and delayed the deal," said a senior Taliban commander based in Afghanistan on conditions of anonymity. "There was no way we would allow permanent stay of US forces in Afghanistan after signing a peace deal with them," he said, adding that Taliban will provide complete assurance that no foreign militant group will be allowed to use Afghanistan to launch attacks against the United States and its allies. Leaders of the insurgent group have repeatedly stated that a ceasefire or talks with the Afghan government and civil society members will not take place until the United States announces a plan for foreign force withdrawal from Afghanistan. US President Donald Trump wants combat forces reduced in Afghanistan by the next US presidential election in November 2020, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said last month. Uncertainty Fighting in Afghanistan has not subsided. More than 1,500 civilians were killed and injured in July, a record monthly toll this year, and the highest number documented in a month since May 2017, United Nations of Assistance Mission in Afghanistan said in a statement on Saturday. Many Afghans fear a US troop withdrawal announcement will weaken their bargaining power with the hardline Islamist group, which aims to re-establish an Islamic emirate to replace an elected government it dismisses as puppets of foreign forces. Women’s rights groups in particular worry about the fate of women and girls in the event of a return of the Taliban, who banned girls’ education and imposed severe restrictions on women’s rights to work outside the home. The sense of uncertainty revolving around the peace talks has become a source of distress with many Afghans fearing a complete collapse of law and order if the United States fails to protect basic freedom guaranteed under the Afghan constitution. In June, Pompeo said he hoped for a peace deal with the Taliban before September 1. "The Americans are being hasty to sign the deal. Right now it feels like we will wake up one morning and find the Taliban government has been installed," said Mustafa Karimi, a shopkeeper in Kabul whose brother was killed last year by the Taliban during clashes with Afghan forces. "Taliban often use Afghan civilians as human shields and now the US are also putting our lives at risk to exit out of Afghanistan," he said. "We are doomed if the peace talks don't protect our basic rights and freedom."

New round of US-Taliban talks open in Doha amid hope for peace deal

A delegation of Taliban officials is set to attend a two-day meeting with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/russia-invites-taliban-and-afghan-politicians-to-moscow-meeting-222049/amp">Afghan politicians</a> in Moscow this week, officials confirmed on Monday, as fighting continues to rage in Afghanistan amid troubled peace talks between the United States and the militants.

In a statement, the Taliban said that the group is to attend a conference marking 100 years of diplomatic relations between Afghanistan and Russia on May 28, followed by discussions with Afghan politicians about the future of the country on May 29.

The 14-member Taliban delegation is led by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, in what will be his first international trip since being freed from a Pakistani prison last October.

Meanwhile, among the Afghan politicians, former President Hamid Karzai and chairman of the High Peace Council (HPC) Mohammad Karim Khalili are expected to participate in Tuesday's meeting that focuses on ending the 18-year long war in Afghanistan.

A spokesman for the Afghan president's office told Al Jazeera that the Afghan ambassador in Moscow would also attend Tuesday`s ceremony but it was unclear whether he would meet the Taliban delegation.

The Taliban, which has been in peace negotiations with Washington since last year, has repeatedly refused to meet President Ashraf Ghani`s government, calling it a "puppet" of the West.

An "intra-Afghan dialogue" that was to be held in Doha in April was cancelled after the Taliban objected to a new delegation of Afghan officials selected to attend the talks.

After six rounds of talks between the US and the Taliban in Doha ended earlier this month, US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad, said that "faster progress" was needed as "the conflict rages" and "innocent people die".

The Taliban and the Afghan government have said that they have agreed a "draft framework" on an agreement for the US troop withdrawal and a guarantee that the Taliban would not harbour "terrorist" groups or allow them to use Afghanistan as a staging ground for global attacks.

A delegation of Taliban officials is set to attend a two-day meeting with Afghan politicians in Moscow this week, officials confirmed on Monday, as fighting continues to rage in Afghanistan amid troubled peace talks between the United States and the militants.

A delegation of Taliban officials is set to attend a two-day meeting with Afghan politicians in Moscow this week, officials confirmed on Monday, as fighting continues to rage in Afghanistan amid troubled peace talks between the United States and the militants. In a statement, the Taliban said that the group is to attend a conference marking 100 years of diplomatic relations between Afghanistan and Russia on May 28, followed by discussions with Afghan politicians about the future of the country on May 29. The 14-member Taliban delegation is led by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, in what will be his first international trip since being freed from a Pakistani prison last October. Meanwhile, among the Afghan politicians, former President Hamid Karzai and chairman of the High Peace Council (HPC) Mohammad Karim Khalili are expected to participate in Tuesday's meeting that focuses on ending the 18-year long war in Afghanistan. A spokesman for the Afghan president's office told Al Jazeera that the Afghan ambassador in Moscow would also attend Tuesday`s ceremony but it was unclear whether he would meet the Taliban delegation. The Taliban, which has been in peace negotiations with Washington since last year, has repeatedly refused to meet President Ashraf Ghani`s government, calling it a "puppet" of the West. An "intra-Afghan dialogue" that was to be held in Doha in April was cancelled after the Taliban objected to a new delegation of Afghan officials selected to attend the talks. After six rounds of talks between the US and the Taliban in Doha ended earlier this month, US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad, said that "faster progress" was needed as "the conflict rages" and "innocent people die". The Taliban and the Afghan government have said that they have agreed a "draft framework" on an agreement for the US troop withdrawal and a guarantee that the Taliban would not harbour "terrorist" groups or allow them to use Afghanistan as a staging ground for global attacks.

Taliban, Afghan officials to meet in Moscow for peace talks

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-afghan-officials-to-meet-in-moscow-for-peace-talks-222143">A&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;delegation met a group of senior Afghan politicians </a>in Moscow on Tuesday, insisting that international forces must leave Afghanistan for peace to be agreed, amid gathering diplomatic efforts to end the 18-year war.

The delegation, led by chief&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;negotiator Mullah Baradar Akhund, met politicians, including senior regional leaders and candidates challenging President Ashraf Ghani in this year's presidential election.

"The Islamic Emirate wants peace but the first step is to remove obstacles to peace and end the occupation of Afghanistan," Baradar said, appearing openly on television in what appeared to be a calculated move to establish his legitimacy as one of the main public faces of the&nbsp;Taliban.

The&nbsp;Taliban, ousted by US-backed forces weeks after September&nbsp;11, 2001, attacks on the United States, refer to themselves as the Islamic Emirate.

Mohammad Karim Khalili, head of the High Peace Council, the main body charged with pursuing peace efforts, said dozens of people were being killed in fighting every day and it was time for a "dignified and just mechanism" to end the bloodshed.

Taliban&nbsp;officials have been talking to US&nbsp;diplomats for months about the terms of withdrawal of more than 23,000 US and NATO coalition troops from Afghanistan and have reached a draft agreement on some issues but no new date for the next round of talks has been set and many obstacles remain.

Chief among these is the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;refusal to deal directly with President Ashraf Ghani's Western-backed government in Kabul, which they dismiss as a "puppet" regime.

Meetings between the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;delegation and political figures not formally associated with the government have been seen as a way of preparing the way for full negotiations later. But those contacts are regarded with deep suspicion by many Afghan officials who see them as undermining the legitimacy of the government while reinforcing the position of the&nbsp;Taliban.

The group of politicians attending the ceremony to mark the centenary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Afghanistan and Russia included many of Ghani's most powerful political adversaries.

Atta Mohammad Noor, the former governor of the northern province of Balkh and a leader of the mainly ethnic Tajik Jamiat-e Islami party, said it was in the interests of all sides to establish a good understanding.

"We want to have good relations with the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;and we expect peace from them," he said.

However, the presidential election in September is expected to put Afghanistan's political system under heavy strain following bitterly disputed parliamentary elections last year that drew widespread accusations of cheating.

A Taliban delegation met a group of senior Afghan politicians in Moscow on Tuesday, insisting that international forces must leave Afghanistan for peace to be agreed, amid gathering diplomatic efforts to end the 18-year war.

A Taliban delegation met a group of senior Afghan politicians in Moscow on Tuesday, insisting that international forces must leave Afghanistan for peace to be agreed, amid gathering diplomatic efforts to end the 18-year war. The delegation, led by chief Taliban negotiator Mullah Baradar Akhund, met politicians, including senior regional leaders and candidates challenging President Ashraf Ghani in this year's presidential election. "The Islamic Emirate wants peace but the first step is to remove obstacles to peace and end the occupation of Afghanistan," Baradar said, appearing openly on television in what appeared to be a calculated move to establish his legitimacy as one of the main public faces of the Taliban. The Taliban, ousted by US-backed forces weeks after September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States, refer to themselves as the Islamic Emirate. Mohammad Karim Khalili, head of the High Peace Council, the main body charged with pursuing peace efforts, said dozens of people were being killed in fighting every day and it was time for a "dignified and just mechanism" to end the bloodshed. Taliban officials have been talking to US diplomats for months about the terms of withdrawal of more than 23,000 US and NATO coalition troops from Afghanistan and have reached a draft agreement on some issues but no new date for the next round of talks has been set and many obstacles remain. Chief among these is the Taliban refusal to deal directly with President Ashraf Ghani's Western-backed government in Kabul, which they dismiss as a "puppet" regime. Meetings between the Taliban delegation and political figures not formally associated with the government have been seen as a way of preparing the way for full negotiations later. But those contacts are regarded with deep suspicion by many Afghan officials who see them as undermining the legitimacy of the government while reinforcing the position of the Taliban. The group of politicians attending the ceremony to mark the centenary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Afghanistan and Russia included many of Ghani's most powerful political adversaries. Atta Mohammad Noor, the former governor of the northern province of Balkh and a leader of the mainly ethnic Tajik Jamiat-e Islami party, said it was in the interests of all sides to establish a good understanding. "We want to have good relations with the Taliban and we expect peace from them," he said. However, the presidential election in September is expected to put Afghanistan's political system under heavy strain following bitterly disputed parliamentary elections last year that drew widespread accusations of cheating.

Taliban say 'occupation' must end for Afghan peace as delegates meet in Moscow

An Israeli soldier fatally shot a Palestinian man who tried to stab a fellow soldier in the occupied West Bank on Monday, the Israeli military said.

The Palestinian health ministry confirmed the man was killed. There was no further comment from Palestinian officials.

"The assailant arrived by vehicle from the city of Nablus, exited the vehicle and attempted to stab an IDF (Israel Defence Forces) soldier who was at a nearby check post. Another soldier responded by firing towards the terrorist and neutralized him," the military said, adding that none of the troops were hurt.

Peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians broke down in 2014. A bid by the administration of US President Donald Trump to restart negotiations has so far shown little progress.

The Palestinians seek statehood in East Jerusalem, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, territories that Israel captured in the 1967 Middle East war. The Palestinians have limited self-rule in the West Bank, most of which is controlled by Israel.

An Israeli soldier fatally shot a Palestinian man who tried to stab a fellow soldier in the occupied West Bank on Monday, the Israeli military said. The Palestinian health ministry confirmed the man was killed.

An Israeli soldier fatally shot a Palestinian man who tried to stab a fellow soldier in the occupied West Bank on Monday, the Israeli military said. The Palestinian health ministry confirmed the man was killed. There was no further comment from Palestinian officials. "The assailant arrived by vehicle from the city of Nablus, exited the vehicle and attempted to stab an IDF (Israel Defence Forces) soldier who was at a nearby check post. Another soldier responded by firing towards the terrorist and neutralized him," the military said, adding that none of the troops were hurt. Peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians broke down in 2014. A bid by the administration of US President Donald Trump to restart negotiations has so far shown little progress. The Palestinians seek statehood in East Jerusalem, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, territories that Israel captured in the 1967 Middle East war. The Palestinians have limited self-rule in the West Bank, most of which is controlled by Israel.

Palestinian shot dead while trying to stab Israeli soldier: Army

Yemenis dared to hope on Friday that a ceasefire agreed in the contested port city of Hodeidah might bring a permanent end to fighting that has driven many from their homes and into an existential struggle for food and medical care.

Hodeidah became the focus of Yemen`s nearly four-year-old war this year after the Saudi-led coalition launched an offensive to seize the city, a Red Sea port and supply line for millions of people at risk of famine, from Iranian-aligned Houthi forces that also hold the capital Sanaa.

At talks in Sweden on Thursday, the Houthis and the coalition-backed government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi agreed to stop fighting in Hodeidah and withdraw forces.

It was a breakthrough for UN-led efforts to end the war that has killed tens of thousands of people and caused the world`s worst humanitarian crisis.

Akram Ateeq, 31, used to support his mother, wife and child by selling fish near Hodeidah harbour but has been unable to work for six months due to battles on the outskirts of the city.

"We are happy there will be a halt to the war. We have no jobs and are living on aid. We need help," he told Reuters.

Residents reported lingering skirmishes on the northern and eastern edges of the city on Thursday night but said Hodeidah was calm by Friday morning. Streets were largely empty at the start of the weekend.

"We are happy about the ceasefire but are worried that the fighters will not abide by it," said teacher Iman Azzi, in her 50s. "The war has destroyed us. We want to live."

Youssef Abdo Ali, 44, has been struggling to feed his nine children since seeking refuge in Hodeidah. "The war has wiped out everything," he said.

UN envoy Martin Griffiths, who secured Thursday`s deal after a week of peace talks in Sweden, the first in over two years, said both parties would withdraw "within days" from the port, a major entry point for most of Yemen`s commercial imports and aid supplies, and later from the city as a whole. 
International monitors are to be deployed and armed forces would pull back completely within 21 days.

The warring parties are due to discuss a political framework for peace negotiations at a second round of talks in January.

"BUMPY" ROAD AHEAD

The Sunni Muslim alliance led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) intervened in the war in 2015 to restore Hadi`s government after it was ousted from Sanaa by the Houthis.

The Gulf states have come under pressure from Western allies to end the conflict, in which thousands of civilians have been killed in Saudi-led air strikes, rights groups say.

"The road ahead remains bumpy but the significant breakthrough will make peace possible," UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash tweeted on Friday.

Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir later tweeted that Saudi Defence Minister Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had exerted "great personal efforts" to ensure the success of the Sweden talks, without providing details.

The war is seen as a broader proxy conflict between Iran and its major Middle East rival Saudi Arabia.

The UAE, which controls military bases in the coastal towns of al-Khokha and al-Mokha, has massed thousands of Yemeni forces on the outskirts of Hodeidah, the Houthis` main supply line.

Coalition warplanes have backed fighters battling Houthis in the eastern 7th July district of Hodeidah and near a university 4 km (2.5 miles) from the port and a few blocks from al-Thawra hospital, the main medical facility on Yemen`s western coast.

The ceasefire has wider implications for millions facing possible starvation, as the port supplies two-thirds of the population of the impoverished country of 29 million people.&nbsp;

Herve Verhoosel, senior spokesman for the World Food Programme, told a UN briefing in Geneva that the truce should enable a sustained flow of food, fuel and aid and prevent further price spikes.

He said it would renew access to Red Sea Mills, which stores 51,000 tonnes of WFP wheat stock but has been cut off since September due to fighting.

US aid group Mercy Corps cautioned that the truce was only the first step on an uncertain road to peace.

“The measure of the agreement will be taken in action on the ground, not words in a conference room," Mercy Corps Yemen director Abdikadir Mohamud said.

Yemenis dared to hope on Friday that a ceasefire agreed in the contested port city of Hodeidah might bring a permanent end to fighting that has driven many from their homes and into an existential struggle for food and medical care.

Yemenis dared to hope on Friday that a ceasefire agreed in the contested port city of Hodeidah might bring a permanent end to fighting that has driven many from their homes and into an existential struggle for food and medical care. Hodeidah became the focus of Yemen`s nearly four-year-old war this year after the Saudi-led coalition launched an offensive to seize the city, a Red Sea port and supply line for millions of people at risk of famine, from Iranian-aligned Houthi forces that also hold the capital Sanaa. At talks in Sweden on Thursday, the Houthis and the coalition-backed government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi agreed to stop fighting in Hodeidah and withdraw forces. It was a breakthrough for UN-led efforts to end the war that has killed tens of thousands of people and caused the world`s worst humanitarian crisis. Akram Ateeq, 31, used to support his mother, wife and child by selling fish near Hodeidah harbour but has been unable to work for six months due to battles on the outskirts of the city. "We are happy there will be a halt to the war. We have no jobs and are living on aid. We need help," he told Reuters. Residents reported lingering skirmishes on the northern and eastern edges of the city on Thursday night but said Hodeidah was calm by Friday morning. Streets were largely empty at the start of the weekend. "We are happy about the ceasefire but are worried that the fighters will not abide by it," said teacher Iman Azzi, in her 50s. "The war has destroyed us. We want to live." Youssef Abdo Ali, 44, has been struggling to feed his nine children since seeking refuge in Hodeidah. "The war has wiped out everything," he said. UN envoy Martin Griffiths, who secured Thursday`s deal after a week of peace talks in Sweden, the first in over two years, said both parties would withdraw "within days" from the port, a major entry point for most of Yemen`s commercial imports and aid supplies, and later from the city as a whole. International monitors are to be deployed and armed forces would pull back completely within 21 days. The warring parties are due to discuss a political framework for peace negotiations at a second round of talks in January. "BUMPY" ROAD AHEAD The Sunni Muslim alliance led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) intervened in the war in 2015 to restore Hadi`s government after it was ousted from Sanaa by the Houthis. The Gulf states have come under pressure from Western allies to end the conflict, in which thousands of civilians have been killed in Saudi-led air strikes, rights groups say. "The road ahead remains bumpy but the significant breakthrough will make peace possible," UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash tweeted on Friday. Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir later tweeted that Saudi Defence Minister Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had exerted "great personal efforts" to ensure the success of the Sweden talks, without providing details. The war is seen as a broader proxy conflict between Iran and its major Middle East rival Saudi Arabia. The UAE, which controls military bases in the coastal towns of al-Khokha and al-Mokha, has massed thousands of Yemeni forces on the outskirts of Hodeidah, the Houthis` main supply line. Coalition warplanes have backed fighters battling Houthis in the eastern 7th July district of Hodeidah and near a university 4 km (2.5 miles) from the port and a few blocks from al-Thawra hospital, the main medical facility on Yemen`s western coast. The ceasefire has wider implications for millions facing possible starvation, as the port supplies two-thirds of the population of the impoverished country of 29 million people. Herve Verhoosel, senior spokesman for the World Food Programme, told a UN briefing in Geneva that the truce should enable a sustained flow of food, fuel and aid and prevent further price spikes. He said it would renew access to Red Sea Mills, which stores 51,000 tonnes of WFP wheat stock but has been cut off since September due to fighting. US aid group Mercy Corps cautioned that the truce was only the first step on an uncertain road to peace. “The measure of the agreement will be taken in action on the ground, not words in a conference room," Mercy Corps Yemen director Abdikadir Mohamud said.

Yemenis in Hodeidah hope truce holds as warring parties talk peace

Nirmala Sitharaman on Pakistan's peace talk

The Pakistan Army on Saturday said it is "ready for war" but chooses to walk the path of peace in the interest of its people, comments which came in response to Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat's remark that "stern action" is needed to "avenge" the brutal killing of Indian soldiers.

In an interview to Dunya TV, Pakistan Army spokesperson Asif Ghafoor said the country has a long-standing record of fighting terrorism and "we know the price for peace", The Dawn reported.

Earlier in the day, commenting on the recent brutal killing of a BSF jawan and three policemen in Jammu and Kashmir, General Rawat in Jaipur said stern action is needed to avenge the barbarism by terrorists and Pakistan Army against Indian soldiers.

"We need to take stern action to avenge the kind of barbarism that terrorists and the Pakistan Army have been carrying against our soldiers. It is time to give it back to them in the same coin but not by resorting to similar kind of barbarism. I think the other side must also feel the same pain," he said at a press conference here.

Rawat insisted that action against Pakistan was needed but not in a barbaric manner.

Refuting India's claim of Pakistani soldiers killing the BSF jawan, Ghafoor said, "We have struggled to achieve peace in the last two decades. We can never do anything to disgrace any soldier."&nbsp;

"They (India) have in the past as well laid the blame on us for mutilating the body of a fallen soldier. We are a professional army. We never engage in such acts," he added.&nbsp;

"We (Pakistan Army) are ready for war but choose to walk the path of peace in the interest of the people of Pakistan, the neighbours and the region," the spokesperson said.&nbsp;

The war of words between the armed forces of the two countries came a day after India called off the foreign minister-level talks with Pakistan in New York this month on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.&nbsp;

General Rawat also said the Indian Army had carried out successful operations against the Pakistan Army whenever they did something against India along the border.

"Pakistan has suffered many casualties and we have been able to take on their defence system to a large extent, but we never resorted to barbarism. They requested for a ceasefire in May and we agreed, but if they continue to do this, we will need to take other action," he said.

The Pakistan Army on Saturday said it is "ready for war" but chooses to walk the path of peace in the interest of its people, comments which came in response to Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat's remark that "stern action" is needed to "avenge" the brutal killing of Indian soldiers.

The Pakistan Army on Saturday said it is "ready for war" but chooses to walk the path of peace in the interest of its people, comments which came in response to Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat's remark that "stern action" is needed to "avenge" the brutal killing of Indian soldiers. In an interview to Dunya TV, Pakistan Army spokesperson Asif Ghafoor said the country has a long-standing record of fighting terrorism and "we know the price for peace", The Dawn reported. Earlier in the day, commenting on the recent brutal killing of a BSF jawan and three policemen in Jammu and Kashmir, General Rawat in Jaipur said stern action is needed to avenge the barbarism by terrorists and Pakistan Army against Indian soldiers. "We need to take stern action to avenge the kind of barbarism that terrorists and the Pakistan Army have been carrying against our soldiers. It is time to give it back to them in the same coin but not by resorting to similar kind of barbarism. I think the other side must also feel the same pain," he said at a press conference here. Rawat insisted that action against Pakistan was needed but not in a barbaric manner. Refuting India's claim of Pakistani soldiers killing the BSF jawan, Ghafoor said, "We have struggled to achieve peace in the last two decades. We can never do anything to disgrace any soldier." "They (India) have in the past as well laid the blame on us for mutilating the body of a fallen soldier. We are a professional army. We never engage in such acts," he added. "We (Pakistan Army) are ready for war but choose to walk the path of peace in the interest of the people of Pakistan, the neighbours and the region," the spokesperson said. The war of words between the armed forces of the two countries came a day after India called off the foreign minister-level talks with Pakistan in New York this month on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. General Rawat also said the Indian Army had carried out successful operations against the Pakistan Army whenever they did something against India along the border. "Pakistan has suffered many casualties and we have been able to take on their defence system to a large extent, but we never resorted to barbarism. They requested for a ceasefire in May and we agreed, but if they continue to do this, we will need to take other action," he said.

'Ready for war' but choose to walk path of peace: Pakistan Army

The Taliban on Thursday issued a cool response to proposals that they should begin peace talks with the Afghan government, a day after President Ashraf Ghani offered a pact to recognise the insurgents as a legitimate party in negotiations.

The movement has not yet given any formal answer to Ghani&#39;s invitation, made at a conference of officials from countries in the so-called Kabul Process aimed at creating a platform for talks to end more than 16 years of war.

But its chief spokesman did reply to an &quot;Open Letter&quot; published this week in the New Yorker magazine by Barnett Rubin, a respected commentator on Afghan politics, who urged the Taliban to accept talks with the Kabul government.

&quot;Our country has been occupied, which has led to an American-style supposed Afghan government being imposed upon us,&quot; the Taliban response said.

&quot;And your view that we talk to them and accept their legitimacy is the same formula adopted by America to win the war,&quot; it said, adding that the Kabul Process was simply aimed at seeking the &quot;surrender&quot; of the Taliban.

The comments come a month after the Taliban claimed responsibility for an attack in which an ambulance packed with explosives blew up in Kabul, killing around 100 people, in the worst attack seen in months.&nbsp;

As part of its new regional strategy announced last year, the United States has stepped up assistance to the Afghan military and greatly increased air strikes against the Taliban, in a bid to break the stalemate and force the insurgents to the negotiating table.

However Taliban fighters control large parts of the country, the Kabul government itself is deeply divided and thousands of Afghan soldiers and civilians are being killed every year.

The Taliban have themselves twice offered to talk to the United States in recent weeks, but have ruled out talks with the Kabul government, a key sticking point that must be resolved before any talks can start.

While the international community sees Ghani&#39;s administration as the sole legitimate government of Afghanistan, the Taliban see it as an artificial, foreign-imposed regime that does not represent the Afghan people.

The Taliban statement said the movement was &quot;sincerely committed&quot; to meeting international concerns over Afghanistan being used as a base for terrorist attacks and had no wish for conflict with the United States or other powers.

&quot;The crux of the matter is, what is the vital concern of America, is it really terrorism?&quot; it said.

&quot;Or is it extracting the mineral wealth of Afghanistan, imposing a self-styled government, preventing the establishment of an Islamic system and pursuing imperial ambitions in the region from this land?&quot;

&quot;In such circumstances, we do not care about America, neither do we want to talk, nor end resistance, nor will we get tired,&quot; it said. 
&nbsp;

The comments come a month after the Taliban claimed responsibility for an attack in which an ambulance packed with explosives blew up in Kabul

The Taliban on Thursday issued a cool response to proposals that they should begin peace talks with the Afghan government, a day after President Ashraf Ghani offered a pact to recognise the insurgents as a legitimate party in negotiations. The movement has not yet given any formal answer to Ghani's invitation, made at a conference of officials from countries in the so-called Kabul Process aimed at creating a platform for talks to end more than 16 years of war. But its chief spokesman did reply to an "Open Letter" published this week in the New Yorker magazine by Barnett Rubin, a respected commentator on Afghan politics, who urged the Taliban to accept talks with the Kabul government. "Our country has been occupied, which has led to an American-style supposed Afghan government being imposed upon us," the Taliban response said. "And your view that we talk to them and accept their legitimacy is the same formula adopted by America to win the war," it said, adding that the Kabul Process was simply aimed at seeking the "surrender" of the Taliban. The comments come a month after the Taliban claimed responsibility for an attack in which an ambulance packed with explosives blew up in Kabul, killing around 100 people, in the worst attack seen in months. As part of its new regional strategy announced last year, the United States has stepped up assistance to the Afghan military and greatly increased air strikes against the Taliban, in a bid to break the stalemate and force the insurgents to the negotiating table. However Taliban fighters control large parts of the country, the Kabul government itself is deeply divided and thousands of Afghan soldiers and civilians are being killed every year. The Taliban have themselves twice offered to talk to the United States in recent weeks, but have ruled out talks with the Kabul government, a key sticking point that must be resolved before any talks can start. While the international community sees Ghani's administration as the sole legitimate government of Afghanistan, the Taliban see it as an artificial, foreign-imposed regime that does not represent the Afghan people. The Taliban statement said the movement was "sincerely committed" to meeting international concerns over Afghanistan being used as a base for terrorist attacks and had no wish for conflict with the United States or other powers. "The crux of the matter is, what is the vital concern of America, is it really terrorism?" it said. "Or is it extracting the mineral wealth of Afghanistan, imposing a self-styled government, preventing the establishment of an Islamic system and pursuing imperial ambitions in the region from this land?" "In such circumstances, we do not care about America, neither do we want to talk, nor end resistance, nor will we get tired," it said.

Taliban pour cold water on invitation to Afghan peace talks

Syria&rsquo;s fragmented opposition announced early today they had reached an agreement to send a united delegation to next week&rsquo;s UN-brokered peace talks.

The announcement came on the second day of a Saudi- sponsored meeting in Riyadh, where around 140 opposition figures are gathered to unify their ranks before direct talks with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad&rsquo;s regime in Geneva on November 28.

Several rounds of talks hosted by the United Nations have failed to bring an end to the six-year war in Syria, which has killed more than 330,000 people since 2011 and forced millions from their homes.

&ldquo;We have agreed with the two other&nbsp;branches to send a united delegation to participate in the direct negotiations in Geneva,&rdquo; Bassma Kodmani, a member of the Syrian opposition&rsquo;s High Negotiations Committee, told reporters in Riyadh.

Kodmani added that further meetings would be held on Friday to finalize the names and number of representatives each group would have in the 50-strong unified delegation.

The delegates at the meeting have been under heavy pressure to row back on some of their more radical demands after a series of battlefield victories that have given Assad&rsquo;s regime the upper hand.

A Cairo-based Syrian opposition group was reported to have agreed earlier yesterday to join ranks with other opposition clusters including the Saudi-backed High Negotiations Committee (HNC) &mdash; the largest bloc in the opposition &mdash; and the Istanbul-based National Coalition.

Kodmani&rsquo;s announcement implies that a Moscow-based Syrian opposition group has also agreed to join forces with that delegation.

Several key opposition figures have boycotted the meeting, including the Moscow group&rsquo;s Jamil and Riad Hijab of the HNC.

Hijab stepped down as leader of the Saudi-backed HNC this week over &ldquo;attempts to lower the ceiling of the revolution and prolong the regime&rdquo;. Assad&rsquo;s fate has been a major stumbling block in multiple rounds of negotiations between the Syrian regime and the opposition.

The HNC and its closest allies have consistently demanded Assad step down from power as a prerequisite for a transitional phase to end the Syrian war.

Other branches of the opposition have taken a softer stance against Assad.

Staffan de Mistura, the UN&rsquo;s Syria envoy, attended the opening session of the Riyadh gathering on Wednesday and said the goal of the meeting was to give momentum to next week&rsquo;s peace talks.

The Riyadh talks come as Syrian regime ally Russia is seeking to organize a &ldquo;congress&rdquo; to bring together Assad&rsquo;s forces and various opposition groups to reinvigorate the peace process.

On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted the leaders of Iran and Turkey for a key trilateral summit aimed at finding a political settlement of Syria&rsquo;s conflict. Putin also met with Assad this week.

Syria's fragmented opposition announced early today they had reached an agreement to send a united delegation to next week's UN-brokered peace talks.

Syria’s fragmented opposition announced early today they had reached an agreement to send a united delegation to next week’s UN-brokered peace talks. The announcement came on the second day of a Saudi- sponsored meeting in Riyadh, where around 140 opposition figures are gathered to unify their ranks before direct talks with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Geneva on November 28. Several rounds of talks hosted by the United Nations have failed to bring an end to the six-year war in Syria, which has killed more than 330,000 people since 2011 and forced millions from their homes. “We have agreed with the two other branches to send a united delegation to participate in the direct negotiations in Geneva,” Bassma Kodmani, a member of the Syrian opposition’s High Negotiations Committee, told reporters in Riyadh. Kodmani added that further meetings would be held on Friday to finalize the names and number of representatives each group would have in the 50-strong unified delegation. The delegates at the meeting have been under heavy pressure to row back on some of their more radical demands after a series of battlefield victories that have given Assad’s regime the upper hand. A Cairo-based Syrian opposition group was reported to have agreed earlier yesterday to join ranks with other opposition clusters including the Saudi-backed High Negotiations Committee (HNC) — the largest bloc in the opposition — and the Istanbul-based National Coalition. Kodmani’s announcement implies that a Moscow-based Syrian opposition group has also agreed to join forces with that delegation. Several key opposition figures have boycotted the meeting, including the Moscow group’s Jamil and Riad Hijab of the HNC. Hijab stepped down as leader of the Saudi-backed HNC this week over “attempts to lower the ceiling of the revolution and prolong the regime”. Assad’s fate has been a major stumbling block in multiple rounds of negotiations between the Syrian regime and the opposition. The HNC and its closest allies have consistently demanded Assad step down from power as a prerequisite for a transitional phase to end the Syrian war. Other branches of the opposition have taken a softer stance against Assad. Staffan de Mistura, the UN’s Syria envoy, attended the opening session of the Riyadh gathering on Wednesday and said the goal of the meeting was to give momentum to next week’s peace talks. The Riyadh talks come as Syrian regime ally Russia is seeking to organize a “congress” to bring together Assad’s forces and various opposition groups to reinvigorate the peace process. On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted the leaders of Iran and Turkey for a key trilateral summit aimed at finding a political settlement of Syria’s conflict. Putin also met with Assad this week.

Syrian opposition agrees to send united delegation to Geneva talks

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