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The 7th session of the Afghan peace talks in Doha, Qatar, has been " the most productive " since the talks began, according to US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad and Taliban representatives last September. Taliban and Americans are doing this Sunday a 48h break. They give way to an intra-Afghan delegation which in turn meets Taliban representatives. The goal is to find a political solution to end the 18-year-old conflict in Afghanistan, the longest war in US history.
With our correspondent in Kabul, Sonia Ghezali
Considerable progress has been made during these six days of Taliban talks, said the US envoy. There was no obstacle, for its part, said the spokesman of the Taliban office in Doha.
On the table of discussion four key points: the withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan whose Taliban claim the precise timetable. The United States wants the insurgents to ensure that Afghanistan does not serve as a haven for terrorist groups.
Another key point is the establishment of a ceasefire and the opening of an inter-Afghan dialogue. If until then the Taliban refused to discuss with the Afghan government, they agreed to meet Sunday and Monday a delegation of about 50 people. Members of civil society, journalists as well as politicians of all kinds, including the government, but on the condition that they represent only themselves and not the Afghan state. The Taliban do not recognize its legitimacy.
Women participate in this two-day meeting. The Taliban have still not given details about the rights they would grant to women in the event of a peace agreement.
Following the talks organized by Germany and Qatar, the US envoy and the Taliban will meet for the last line of the 7th round of talks . While some expect big announcements, many observers are pessimistic about an imminent resolution of the Afghan conflict.