Pompeo meets with Afghan and Taliban negotiators in Doha

WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met with negotiators from the Afghan government and the Taliban in Doha, amid signs of progress in their stalled talks and a spike in violence that threatens to jeopardize the peace initiative in the war-torn country.
This was the first meeting of the top American diplomat with representatives of the Taliban and Afghans after the recent announcement by the United States that it will reduce the number of American troops in Afghanistan and Iraq to 2,500 each by January 15 of next year.
The United States currently has just over 4,500 troops in Afghanistan.
“I met with the Taliban and Islamic Republic of Afghanistannegotiating teams in Doha. I congratulate both parties for continuing to negotiate and for the progress they have made. I encourage accelerated discussions on a political road map and a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire, “Pompeo said in a tweet Saturday.

Pompeo met today with the Taliban political deputy and the head of the political office Mullah Beradar and members of the Taliban negotiating team, Chief Deputy State Department Spokesperson Cale Brown said.
During the meeting, Pompeo praised both sides for continuing to negotiate and for the progress they have made, he said.
In his meeting with the Taliban, Pompeo praised both sides for continuing to negotiate and for the progress they have made. He called for a significant reduction in violence and encouraged accelerated discussions on a political road map and a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire.
“Pompeo and negotiators discussed ways to reduce violence, and encouraged discussions on a political roadmap and a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire to be accelerated,” Brown said.
Pompeo reiterated that the people of Afghanistan hope and deserve to live in peace and security after 40 years of war and bloodshed, he said, adding that the US secretary of state will also meet with the Qatari foreign minister, Al Thani, in Doha to discuss bilateral and regional issues.
“We appreciate Qatar’s continued support as host of the Afghan peace negotiations. A united Gulf remains crucial to counter Iranevil influence in the region, “Pompeo said in another tweet.

The United States signed an agreement with the Taliban in February to promote a negotiated end to the protracted conflict. The Afghan government and Taliban negotiators have been meeting in Doha on a regular basis to try to negotiate a peace deal, but have yet to make any major progress.
Meanwhile, violence in Afghanistan has exploded in recent months.
Pompeo’s visit came in the wake of a rocket attack that hit densely populated areas of To accept, killing at least eight people in the latest outbreak of violence in the Afghan capital.