The U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said that the United States and Taliban representatives have made real progress in the talks regarding counter-terrorism.
Speaking to reporters in Kabul on Tuesday, Pompeo said the U.S. and Taliban reached an agreement in principle in January regarding a comprehensive peace agreement.
Pompeo further added that the peace agreement agreed in principle include counter-terrorism, foreign troop presence, inter-Afghan dialogue and a permanent ceasefire.
He also added that the United States is nearly ready to conclude a draft text regarding counter-terrorism to outline Taliban’s commitments.
Furthermore, Pompeo said discussions are underway regarding foreign military presence in Afghanistan. “In light of this progress, we’ve begun discussions with the Taliban regarding foreign military presence, which today remains conditions-based.”
Meanwhile, Pompeo said “While we’ve made clear to the Taliban that we are prepared to remove our forces, I want to be clear we have not yet agreed on a timeline to do so.”
He emphasized that “This should come as no surprise, but sometimes our adversaries announce things that just aren’t true.”
In the meantime, Pompeo said Washington holds detailed discussions with the Afghan government in parallel to the talks with Taliban.
Pompeo said finalizing a U.S.-Taliban understanding on terrorism and foreign troop presence will open the door to inter-Afghan dialogue and negotiation.
However, he added that we are not and will not negotiate with the Taliban on behalf of the government or people of Afghanistan.
