Afghan media reports say the delegation of the Afghan government and the Taliban have agreed to expedite peace efforts.
TOLO News, in particular, reported yesterday that the two sides have issued a short joint statement in which they agreed to continue high level talks on peace.
High-ranking delegations from the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the Taliban concluded two days of negotiations and agreed to expedite the peace efforts and continue high-level talks, but fallen short to meet the people’s expectations from their engagement amidst increasing violence in the country, according to TOLO News.
Abdullah, the chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation and the head of the 7-member delegation of Afghan politicians in talks with the Taliban, reportedly assured the participants of the Afghan government’s firm will and commitment for peace and said the two days of negotiations were a good opportunity for both sides to clearly share their position to each other.
The two sides issued a short joint statement in which they agreed to continue high level talks on peace, but there was no mention about de-escalation of violence or ceasefire.
They agreed to find a common ground to move the country forward from the current situation, the statement reads.
Both sides reportedly agreed to protect the country’s civilian infrastructure, prevent civilian casualties and cooperate with humanitarian assistance, the statement said.
Both sides in their statement thanked Qatar for hosting the talks and other countries for their support to the peace process.
The statement also reiterated on cooperating with efforts to treat COVID-19 patients in the country’s health centers, especially when it comes to oxygen supply to these centers.
Izvestiya says that Mohammad Naim, an official spokesman for the Taliban's political office in Qatar, tweeted on July 18 that the delegations of the Afghan government and the Taliban have failed to reach an agreement on a short-term ceasefire during the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha or on the release of the Taliban prisoners.
