This archive report was first published on 8 July 2019.
On July 7, 2019, a crucial two-day gathering of Afghan stakeholders began in Doha, Qatar, marking a significant step towards peace in the war-torn country. The event, organized by Germany and Qatar, brought together around 70 delegates, including government officials, civil society representatives, and Taliban members.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo praised the Afghan gathering, saying it "has been a long time coming" and commending the country's "government, civil society, women, and Taliban" for coming together.
The talks follow a week of US-Taliban negotiations, which have been ongoing since June 2019. Washington has expressed its desire to seal a political deal with the Taliban ahead of Afghan presidential polls due in September, allowing foreign forces to begin withdrawing from the country.
Germany's envoy to Afghanistan, Markus Potzel, opened the gathering by emphasizing the importance of setting aside differences for the sake of the country. "History will remember those who were able to set their differences aside for the sake of the country," he said.
Delegate Asila Wardak, a member of the High Peace Council, stated that "everybody is emphasising on a ceasefire" during Sunday's session. The Taliban also discussed "women's role, economic development, (and) the role of minorities" in a future settlement.
Qatari Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani expressed his hope for a "constructive dialogue" on Twitter. The intra-Afghan meetings follow six days of direct US-Taliban talks, which have been put on hold for the two-day Afghan conference and are set to resume on July 9, 2019.
US lead negotiator Zalmay Khalilzad described the latest round of US-Taliban talks as "the most productive of the rounds we've had with the Talibs." The Taliban also expressed their satisfaction with the progress made.
