This archive report was first published on 9 July 2019.
On Tuesday, Taliban and Afghan representatives, including some government officials, reached a significant agreement in Doha, Qatar, marking a major step towards ending the 18-year war in Afghanistan.
The joint declaration, signed after two days of unprecedented and often emotional discussions, emphasized the need to reduce civilian casualties to zero and ensure women's fundamental rights in political, social, economic, educational, and cultural affairs.
Although the declaration is not binding, it serves as a starting point for future negotiations that could lead to fixed terms. The agreement is a significant breakthrough in the peace process between American diplomats and the Taliban, which has been struggling to overcome the Taliban's refusal to meet with Afghan government officials.
According to the declaration, direct negotiations with other Afghans will start only after the United States announces a timeline for the withdrawal of its troops from Afghanistan. American negotiators are in the middle of the seventh round of talks with the Taliban over the withdrawal of troops in return for a commitment from the insurgents that Afghan soil would not again be used to launch terrorist attacks against the United States and its allies.
“There was a very friendly atmosphere and sincere atmosphere and everyone shared their views,” said Sher Mohammad Abas Stanekzai, the most senior member of the Taliban delegation and their chief negotiator. “When we finalize our negotiations with the Americans and get a timetable for the withdrawal of foreign troops, then we will enter direct negotiations with the Afghan side for the internal matters of our country.”
