KABUL - Pointing out to some progress in peace talks with the Taliban, a senior member of the Afghan High Peace Council said talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban leadership would be underway in two months. There hasn't been an agreement about the venue of peace talks, but there are efforts to make the talks happen inside Afghanistan, a senior member in the High Peace Council said.

But the High Peace Council, Kabul-Islamabad joint commission and the Taliban should decide about the place where the talks should be held. Mohammad Ismail Qasemyar, a top member of the peace council, said: "In the near future we will witness at least the beginning of negotiations."

Mr Qasemyar said cooperation in the joint commission of Afghanistan and Pakistan's civilian government and international efforts have paved the ground for the Afghan government to discuss peace with the Taliban leadership.

"I should say that the peace process in a crossroads where the situation is challenging, is fragile and sensitive," Mr Qasemyar said. Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have signaled preparation to provide venue and host the talks, Mr Qasemyar said.

The remarks came as Afghan security forces have begun to take over security burden from international troops in most of the handover regions.
Security responsibilities in six of the seven handover regions, including cities of Mazar-e-Sharif, Herat, Lashkargah, Mehterlam and Bamyan as well as Panjsher have been handed over to Afghan security forces.