Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


            Afghan Negotiator Upbeat About Prospect of Taliban Talks

   by Ayaz Gul

   A top Afghan official says he is confident a renewed push to resurrect
   stalled peace talks with Taliban groups for ending "the senseless"
   conflict in Afghanistan will yield positive results.

   Senior Afghan, U.S., Pakistani and Chinese diplomats met Monday in
   Islamabad to coordinate efforts to try to pave the way for a new round
   in the Afghan reconciliation process.

   Deputy Foreign Minister Hekmat Khalil Karzai, who led the Afghan
   delegation in the talks, briefed reporters Tuesday about the meeting
   and promised further progress when the four-nation group meets again in
   Kabul on January 18.

   "Afghanistan has created a 'road map.'  This road map in this
   discussion was shared with our Pakistani, Chinese and American
   colleagues.  This road map consists of three elements or three phases.
   The first phase specifically is the pre-negotiation period, second
   component is the peace talks, direct negotiations [with Taliban
   groups], and the third phase is the implementation plan," said Karzai,
   a cousin of former president Hamid Karzai.

   Afghan and U.S. officials believe the Taliban leadership is sheltering
   in Pakistan, amid allegations Pakistan's military uses the group as its
   proxy force in Afghanistan.

   Despite prevailing Afghan skepticism about Pakistan's intentions,
   Karzai sounded upbeat about the new push for peace.

   "Because, for the first time now, we have a process where two of our
   very close friends and strategic partners are now monitoring the
   process. While Afghans are extremely at times quite doubtful of certain
   processes, the fact that we have the United States and China being part
   of this process it gives us assurance," Karzai said.

   The Taliban has not indicated whether it is willing to return to the
   negotiating table.

   Karzai said the Afghan government is open to talks with any group
   fighting the insurgency, adding the Afghan people and politicians are
   running out of patience and support for the peace process, and want to
   see concrete progress during the coming weeks.

   He reiterated Afghan security forces are determined to deal with
   insurgent groups that are intent on fighting the state.
     __________________________________________________________________

   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/afghanistan-taliban-talks/3141907.htm
   l

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/afghanistan-taliban-talks/3141907.html