Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said on Sunday peace would come to his country but he appeared to question an expected deal between the United States and the Taliban, saying Afghanistan would decide its future, not outsiders.

Ghani and his US-backed government have not been involved in months of negotiations between the United States and the Taliban on an agreement for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/taliban-must-agree-to-a-ceasefire-and-join-the-intra-afghan-peace-talks-215289">US troops to withdraw </a>in exchange for a Taliban promise that Afghanistan would not be used by international militants to plot attacks.

While the pact is expected to include a Taliban commitment to open power-sharing talks with Afghan rivals, it is not expected to include a Taliban ceasefire with the government, leading to fears the Taliban will fight on when US forces leave.

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"Peace is a desire for each Afghan and peace will come, there shouldn't be any doubt about it," Ghani told a gathering for prayers marking the Eid al-Adha Muslim festival.

"But we want a peace in which each Afghan has dignity. We don't want a peace in which Afghans wouldn't have dignity. We don't want a peace that would cause our people to leave their country."

The Taliban and the United States have both reported significant progress in their negotiations, with one <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-deny-discussing-ceasefire-afghan-dialogue-with-us-202101">Taliban official</a> saying a pact could be signed this week after the Eid holiday.

An agreement would allow US President Donald Trump to achieve his aim of ending a war launched in the days after September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States.

The Taliban do not recognise the Kabul government and have refused to talk to it.

Ghani made no reference to the United States or to the expected US-Taliban pact but said Afghans should decide their fate, not outside powers, even if they were allies.

"Our future cannot be decided outside, whether in the capital cities of our friends or neighbours. The fate of Afghanistan will be decided here in Afghanistan," he said.

He also said a presidential election, scheduled for September 28, in which he hopes to win a second term, was essential.

The Taliban have denounced the election as a sham and threatened to attack rallies. There has been speculation that the vote could be postponed if the United States struck the deal with the militants.

"The Afghan people want a strong, efficient and responsible government, and this is not possible without elections," Ghani said. 
&nbsp;

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said on Sunday peace would come to his country but he appeared to question an expected deal between the United States and the Taliban, saying Afghanistan would decide its future, not outsiders.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said on Sunday peace would come to his country but he appeared to question an expected deal between the United States and the Taliban, saying Afghanistan would decide its future, not outsiders. Ghani and his US-backed government have not been involved in months of negotiations between the United States and the Taliban on an agreement for US troops to withdraw in exchange for a Taliban promise that Afghanistan would not be used by international militants to plot attacks. While the pact is expected to include a Taliban commitment to open power-sharing talks with Afghan rivals, it is not expected to include a Taliban ceasefire with the government, leading to fears the Taliban will fight on when US forces leave. × "Peace is a desire for each Afghan and peace will come, there shouldn't be any doubt about it," Ghani told a gathering for prayers marking the Eid al-Adha Muslim festival. "But we want a peace in which each Afghan has dignity. We don't want a peace in which Afghans wouldn't have dignity. We don't want a peace that would cause our people to leave their country." The Taliban and the United States have both reported significant progress in their negotiations, with one Taliban official saying a pact could be signed this week after the Eid holiday. An agreement would allow US President Donald Trump to achieve his aim of ending a war launched in the days after September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States. The Taliban do not recognise the Kabul government and have refused to talk to it. Ghani made no reference to the United States or to the expected US-Taliban pact but said Afghans should decide their fate, not outside powers, even if they were allies. "Our future cannot be decided outside, whether in the capital cities of our friends or neighbours. The fate of Afghanistan will be decided here in Afghanistan," he said. He also said a presidential election, scheduled for September 28, in which he hopes to win a second term, was essential. The Taliban have denounced the election as a sham and threatened to attack rallies. There has been speculation that the vote could be postponed if the United States struck the deal with the militants. "The Afghan people want a strong, efficient and responsible government, and this is not possible without elections," Ghani said.

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani says peace coming but outsiders can't decide future

The Taliban has said that it is hopeful of reaching an agreement with the United States during the crucial round of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-peace-envoy-for-afghanistan-set-to-resume-talks-with-taliban-sources-239765">peace negotiations between the two adversaries</a> slated to be held later this week in Qatar`s capital city of Doha.

Speaking to Voice of America, Suhail Shaheen, the spokesperson for Taliban`s political office in Qatar, said that the two sides have worked hard for nearly one year and almost drafted a text in which they have addressed all major issues.

Shaheen added that the Taliban negotiators have done their part and it is now up to the American side whether they have "made up their mind" and take the next step of winding up the dialogue process.

On being asked about his expectations for the upcoming meeting, Shaheen said, "We hope to reach an agreement on the troops' withdrawal."

The Taliban and the US are getting closer to a deal centred around the latter`s promise to withdraw its troops from the war-torn country, in exchange for the guarantee by the former that the Afghan soil, particularly the areas under the Taliban`s control, would not become a platform for transnational terrorism.

The spokesperson added that the signing of the agreement would possibly be witnessed by China, Russia, the United Nations, Pakistan and Iran.

Understandably, once the agreement between the US and the Taliban is inked, it will require the latter to immediately enter into negotiations with Afghan stakeholders.&nbsp;

It may be noted here that the Taliban, so far, have consistently refused to hold direct talks with President Ashraf Ghani`s government, denouncing it as a puppet administration.

"We are committed that when the final agreement is signed with the Americans for the withdrawal of their troops and the timetable is given and international guarantors are witnessing the final signature, after that, we will go to the inter-Afghan dialogue," chief Taliban negotiator, Sher Abbas Stanikzai had said earlier this month.&nbsp;

The Taliban has said that it is hopeful of reaching an agreement with the United States during the crucial round of peace negotiations between the two adversaries slated to be held later this week in Qatar`s capital city of Doha.

The Taliban has said that it is hopeful of reaching an agreement with the United States during the crucial round of peace negotiations between the two adversaries slated to be held later this week in Qatar`s capital city of Doha. Speaking to Voice of America, Suhail Shaheen, the spokesperson for Taliban`s political office in Qatar, said that the two sides have worked hard for nearly one year and almost drafted a text in which they have addressed all major issues. Shaheen added that the Taliban negotiators have done their part and it is now up to the American side whether they have "made up their mind" and take the next step of winding up the dialogue process. On being asked about his expectations for the upcoming meeting, Shaheen said, "We hope to reach an agreement on the troops' withdrawal." The Taliban and the US are getting closer to a deal centred around the latter`s promise to withdraw its troops from the war-torn country, in exchange for the guarantee by the former that the Afghan soil, particularly the areas under the Taliban`s control, would not become a platform for transnational terrorism. The spokesperson added that the signing of the agreement would possibly be witnessed by China, Russia, the United Nations, Pakistan and Iran. Understandably, once the agreement between the US and the Taliban is inked, it will require the latter to immediately enter into negotiations with Afghan stakeholders. It may be noted here that the Taliban, so far, have consistently refused to hold direct talks with President Ashraf Ghani`s government, denouncing it as a puppet administration. "We are committed that when the final agreement is signed with the Americans for the withdrawal of their troops and the timetable is given and international guarantors are witnessing the final signature, after that, we will go to the inter-Afghan dialogue," chief Taliban negotiator, Sher Abbas Stanikzai had said earlier this month.

Taliban hopeful of reaching agreement with US in upcoming talks

The United States condemned a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-gun-battle-rages-in-kabul-after-blast-injures-100-taliban-claims-responsibility-231998">Taliban car bombing</a> and gun assault in the capital Kabul on Monday that killed six people and wounded dozens including 50 children.

"This brazen attack demonstrates the Taliban's callous disregard for their fellow Afghans, who have repeatedly voiced the urgency of finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict," the White House said in a statement.

At least six people were killed and dozens, including 50 children, wounded when the Taliban detonated a powerful car bomb in Kabul -- the latest deadly attack in one of the most dangerous countries in the world to be a child.

Save the Children led international condemnation of the blast targeting a defence ministry building, which sent a plume of smoke into the air during rush hour and shook buildings nearly two kilometres away.&nbsp;

Gunmen then stormed a nearby building, triggering a gun battle with special forces in the Puli Mahmood Khan neighbourhood of the Afghan capital.&nbsp;

At least six people were killed, including one child and two special forces, said interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi.

The health ministry put the wounded toll at 116 people. Among the injured were 50 children, officials said, adding that most had been hurt by flying glass and were in stable condition.

Rahimi said all five gunmen and the driver of the car had been killed, and a clearing operation was over.

Some social media images purportedly taken at a hospital showed wounded, stunned children in school uniforms, still clutching books as they arrived for treatment.&nbsp;

Five schools were damaged in the blast, the education ministry said.

Save the Children branded the attack "utterly deplorable", warning that "children's smaller bodies sustain more serious injuries than adults" and that the trauma of such attacks can stay with them for years.

The Taliban claimed the attack, which came just two days after the insurgents began a seventh round of talks with the US in Qatar, as Washington eyes a breakthrough before Afghanistan's presidential election in September.

The United States condemned a Taliban car bombing and gun assault in the capital Kabul on Monday that killed six people and wounded dozens including 50 children.

The United States condemned a Taliban car bombing and gun assault in the capital Kabul on Monday that killed six people and wounded dozens including 50 children. "This brazen attack demonstrates the Taliban's callous disregard for their fellow Afghans, who have repeatedly voiced the urgency of finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict," the White House said in a statement. At least six people were killed and dozens, including 50 children, wounded when the Taliban detonated a powerful car bomb in Kabul -- the latest deadly attack in one of the most dangerous countries in the world to be a child. Save the Children led international condemnation of the blast targeting a defence ministry building, which sent a plume of smoke into the air during rush hour and shook buildings nearly two kilometres away. Gunmen then stormed a nearby building, triggering a gun battle with special forces in the Puli Mahmood Khan neighbourhood of the Afghan capital. At least six people were killed, including one child and two special forces, said interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi. The health ministry put the wounded toll at 116 people. Among the injured were 50 children, officials said, adding that most had been hurt by flying glass and were in stable condition. Rahimi said all five gunmen and the driver of the car had been killed, and a clearing operation was over. Some social media images purportedly taken at a hospital showed wounded, stunned children in school uniforms, still clutching books as they arrived for treatment. Five schools were damaged in the blast, the education ministry said. Save the Children branded the attack "utterly deplorable", warning that "children's smaller bodies sustain more serious injuries than adults" and that the trauma of such attacks can stay with them for years. The Taliban claimed the attack, which came just two days after the insurgents began a seventh round of talks with the US in Qatar, as Washington eyes a breakthrough before Afghanistan's presidential election in September.

Brazen attack in Kabul demonstrates Taliban's callous disregard for Afghans: US

In a rare interview with WION's diplomatic correspondent, Sidhant Sibal, Taliban spokesman&nbsp;Zabihullah Mujahid talked about the future of Afghanistan as well Hindus and Sikhs if they come back to power. He added that he wants a cordial relationship with all neighbouring countries and added, "I'll protect&nbsp;Chabahar as it's positive for Afghanistan''. Edited excerpts &nbsp;

WION: Do you think American forces will leave Afghanistan and when is your next meeting with the US?&nbsp;

Zabihullah Mujahid: From the initial agreement we have reached with the United States, they seem to have shown readiness to leave Afghanistan and put an end to their occupation. A meeting to complete will be held on February 25, 2019.

WION: What kind of role Pakistan is playing in your talks with the US?&nbsp;

Zabihullah Mujahid: Our talks with the United States are between us and the Americans, no one else is involved in it.

WION: How do you see India's role in Afghanistan? India is helping in developing a lot of infrastructure projects.&nbsp;

Zabihullah Mujahid: Afghanistan wants good relations with all its neighbouring and regional countries. As the representatives of the people of Afghanistan, we want to see healthy and positive role of all countries in Afghanistan based on the needs of the people of our homeland.

WION: How do you see Chabahar port and future of the port?&nbsp;

Zabihullah Mujahid: We value all economic projects and are committed to supporting and protecting all projects that are fruitful and positive for the prosperity and development of our country.

WION: If you come back to power how do you see the situation of Afghan Hindus and Sikhs?&nbsp;

Zabihullah Mujahid: Afghan Hindus and Sikhs are our countrymen. Just as all Afghans have rights in this country, our Hindu and Sikh countrymen will have their own rights that shall be guaranteed.

In a rare interview with WION's diplomatic correspondent, Sidhant Sibal, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid talked about the future of Afghanistan as well Hindus and Sikhs if they come back to power.

In a rare interview with WION's diplomatic correspondent, Sidhant Sibal, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid talked about the future of Afghanistan as well Hindus and Sikhs if they come back to power. He added that he wants a cordial relationship with all neighbouring countries and added, "I'll protect Chabahar as it's positive for Afghanistan''. Edited excerpts WION: Do you think American forces will leave Afghanistan and when is your next meeting with the US? Zabihullah Mujahid: From the initial agreement we have reached with the United States, they seem to have shown readiness to leave Afghanistan and put an end to their occupation. A meeting to complete will be held on February 25, 2019. WION: What kind of role Pakistan is playing in your talks with the US? Zabihullah Mujahid: Our talks with the United States are between us and the Americans, no one else is involved in it. WION: How do you see India's role in Afghanistan? India is helping in developing a lot of infrastructure projects. Zabihullah Mujahid: Afghanistan wants good relations with all its neighbouring and regional countries. As the representatives of the people of Afghanistan, we want to see healthy and positive role of all countries in Afghanistan based on the needs of the people of our homeland. WION: How do you see Chabahar port and future of the port? Zabihullah Mujahid: We value all economic projects and are committed to supporting and protecting all projects that are fruitful and positive for the prosperity and development of our country. WION: If you come back to power how do you see the situation of Afghan Hindus and Sikhs? Zabihullah Mujahid: Afghan Hindus and Sikhs are our countrymen. Just as all Afghans have rights in this country, our Hindu and Sikh countrymen will have their own rights that shall be guaranteed.

Will protect Chabahar; Hindu, Sikh rights guaranteed, says Taliban spokesman to WION 

Negotiations between the Taliban and US officials in Qatar entered a fourth straight day Thursday, according to the insurgents, as the two sides pursue a potential deal to bring an end to Afghanistan's 17-year conflict.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed that "discussions are still ongoing".

"We will talk in detail later when we reach agreement," the spokesman added.

Washington has been stepping up efforts for a peace deal that could pave the way for the Taliban's participation in the next government.

"Both sides are discussing the various aspects of the US troops' withdrawal," a senior Taliban commander based in an unknown location in Pakistan told AFP, adding that a statement could be released later in the day or on Friday.

The Pakistan foreign ministry also confirmed that talks were ongoing between the two sides. However, there was no immediate comment from the US embassy or NATO in Kabul.

The US said Tuesday it had resumed talks with the insurgents in Qatar, where special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad was meeting Taliban representatives.

Rahimullah Yusufzai, an expert on the Taliban, said the continuation of the talks represented "unprecedented" progress. "I have never seen anything like this before," he said.

"This is the first serious effort. And it has continued since July... They have agreed to disagree and continued to meet. That's why it's unprecedented."&nbsp;

Talks have primarily focused on three major points: the withdrawal of US troops, a vow to prevent Afghan soil from being a base for attacks on other countries, and a potential ceasefire, according to Yusufzai.

Washington wants the insurgents to enter talks with the Afghan government, but they have long refused, denouncing Kabul as a US puppet.

The talks come after Khalilzad spent the weekend in Pakistan where he met with Prime Minister Imran Khan as part of a regional tour that saw the envoy shuttling between India, China and Afghanistan.

The US is not the only country engaged in talks with the militants.

Russia and Iran have held meetings with the Taliban in recent months, while China has also made overtures. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan are all participating in the US efforts.&nbsp;

Negotiations between the Taliban and US officials in Qatar entered a fourth straight day Thursday, according to the insurgents, as the two sides pursue a potential deal to bring an end to Afghanistan's 17-year conflict.

Negotiations between the Taliban and US officials in Qatar entered a fourth straight day Thursday, according to the insurgents, as the two sides pursue a potential deal to bring an end to Afghanistan's 17-year conflict. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed that "discussions are still ongoing". "We will talk in detail later when we reach agreement," the spokesman added. Washington has been stepping up efforts for a peace deal that could pave the way for the Taliban's participation in the next government. "Both sides are discussing the various aspects of the US troops' withdrawal," a senior Taliban commander based in an unknown location in Pakistan told AFP, adding that a statement could be released later in the day or on Friday. The Pakistan foreign ministry also confirmed that talks were ongoing between the two sides. However, there was no immediate comment from the US embassy or NATO in Kabul. The US said Tuesday it had resumed talks with the insurgents in Qatar, where special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad was meeting Taliban representatives. Rahimullah Yusufzai, an expert on the Taliban, said the continuation of the talks represented "unprecedented" progress. "I have never seen anything like this before," he said. "This is the first serious effort. And it has continued since July... They have agreed to disagree and continued to meet. That's why it's unprecedented." Talks have primarily focused on three major points: the withdrawal of US troops, a vow to prevent Afghan soil from being a base for attacks on other countries, and a potential ceasefire, according to Yusufzai. Washington wants the insurgents to enter talks with the Afghan government, but they have long refused, denouncing Kabul as a US puppet. The talks come after Khalilzad spent the weekend in Pakistan where he met with Prime Minister Imran Khan as part of a regional tour that saw the envoy shuttling between India, China and Afghanistan. The US is not the only country engaged in talks with the militants. Russia and Iran have held meetings with the Taliban in recent months, while China has also made overtures. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan are all participating in the US efforts.

Taliban says talks with the US enter fourth day in Qatar

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Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani says peace coming but outsiders can't decide future

Taliban hopeful of reaching agreement with US in upcoming talks

Brazen attack in Kabul demonstrates Taliban's callous disregard for Afghans: US

Will protect Chabahar; Hindu, Sikh rights guaranteed, says Taliban spokesman to WION

Taliban says talks with the US enter fourth day in Qatar