KABUL - The Trump administration has hailed Wednesday the Kabul-Taliban agreement on rules and procedures for intra-Afghan peace talks as a “major milestone”.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday: “The agreement codifies the rules and procedures the two sides have been negotiating since the start of talks.”
In a statement from the State Department, the diplomat said: “The teams made a number of important decisions that will guide their negotiations on a political roadmap and a comprehensive ceasefire.”
Greeting both sides on their willingness to find common ground, Pompeo said the achievement demonstrates that the Afghan Islamic Republic and Taliban are serious and able to overcome differences.
The breakthrough showed both parties to Doha negotiations were ready to deal with difficult issues, the outgoing secretary of state added.
“What has been achieved provides hope they will succeed in reaching a political settlement to this more than forty-year-old conflict,” the official believed.
He also commended Qatar’s role as host and facilitator of the talks, which begin on September 12.
The secretary promised the US, along with most of the international community, would continue to support the peace process. (Pajhwok)