(MENAFN- Daily Outlook Afghanistan) KABUL - The Taliban and Afghangovernment representatives are expected to hold direct talks in less than twoweeks in Germany, an Afghan official said on Sunday.
Sibghatullah Ahmadi, Spokesman ofthe Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the seventh round of talks betweenthe U.S. and Taliban negotiators is crucial.
Ahmadi said that Afghanistan isvery close to peace.
This comes as U.S. and Talibanrepresentatives are negotiating behind closed doors since Saturday and thegroup has always rejected to hold talks with President Ashraf Ghani'sgovernment.
Sources close to the Taliban saidthat the negotiations are ongoing over the withdrawal of foreign forces fromAfghanistan and a Taliban guarantee that Afghanistan will not be used byterrorists against the U.S. and its Allies.
'I think the two sides arediscussing the previous agenda. Shir Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai is leading theTaliban team and the negotiation is expected to have a positive result, saidSayed Akbar Agha, a former Taliban official.
However, the U.S. negotiating teamis expected to focus on a ceasefire and the launch of an intra-Afghan dialogue.
At the same time, the head of theUN mission in Afghanistan emphasizes that the upcoming presidential electionsand peace process are top priorities for the United Nations.
'Let me be clear: Neither processshould be harmed or held back by the other; both processes must move forwardwith the full force and commitment of all stakeholders, Tadamichi Yamamoto,the head of the UN mission said in a statement on Sunday. (ATN)
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