Jim Mattis In Kabul, Says Elements In Taliban Open To Peace Talks
Mohammad Ali (@ChaudhryMAli88) Published March 13, 2018 | 12:46 PM
Elements of the Taliban are open to talks with the Afghan government, US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said Tuesday as he arrived in Kabul on an unannounced visit. Mattis flew into the war-torn city two weeks after Afghan President Ashraf Ghani unveiled a plan to open peace talks with the Taliban.
Kabul, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Mar, 2018 ) :Elements of the Taliban are open to talks with the Afghan government, US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said Tuesday as he arrived in Kabul on an unannounced visit.
Mattis flew into the war-torn city two weeks after Afghan President Ashraf Ghani unveiled a plan to open peace talks with the Taliban. The insurgents have so far given no formal response to Kabul's offer for negotiations, but Mattis said some insurgent leaders have expressed an interest in the discussions.
"It may not be that the whole Taliban comes over in one fell swoop, that would be a bridge too far, but there are elements of the Taliban clearly interested in talking to the Afghan government," he told reporters aboard a military jet.
Ghani's peace plan includes eventually recognising the Taliban as a political party. The insurgent group has said it is prepared to negotiate, but only with the United States and not with the Kabul government.
The Taliban last week described the Afghan government as "illegitimate" and its peace process efforts as "deceptive", in a statement calling for a boycott of an Islamic scholars' conference in Jakarta.
"Right now we want the Afghans to lead and to provide the substance of the reconciliation effort," Mattis said. - US looks to 'victory' - Thanks to the political process, Mattis said America is now looking towards victory in Afghanistan after more than 16 years of conflict.
"What does that victory look like? It's a country whose own people and their own security forces handle law enforcement and any threats... certainly with international support for some years to come," he said.
The US has a renewed focus on Afghanistan after years of drawdowns under former president Barack Obama and talk by top US generals of "not winning" and of a "stalemate" in the seemingly intractable conflict.
"It's all working to achieve a political reconciliation, not a military victory," Mattis said. "The victory will be a political reconciliation." As part of the so-called South Asia Strategy, President Donald Trump last year ordered the increased bombing of Taliban targets -- including drug-making labs and training camps.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 29 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 29 April 2024
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 28 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 28 April 2024
Fresh wave of rainfall in AJK continues for the second consecutive day
Babar, bowlers help Pakistan level series 2-2 against New Zealand
Attack in restive Chilean province leaves three police officers dead
PM, Saudi Royal court advisor discuss ways to boost economic ties
England clinch third successive Women's Six Nations Grand Slam
DC Bahawalnagar leads fight for fair bread prices
Sheffield Utd relegated from Premier League
02 proclaimed offenders arrested by Wah Police
More Stories From World
-
Alcaraz passes 'test of fire', Sabalenka survives in Madrid Open
29 minutes ago -
Clippers thwart Mavs' comeback bid, Brunson's 47 points fuel Knicks win
39 minutes ago -
Dozens of tornadoes plow central US, at least 5 killed
39 minutes ago -
Hamas delegation to arrive in Egypt for Gaza truce talks
49 minutes ago -
Masood Khan hails Pakistani-American physicians role in upgrading Pakistan's healthcare system; also ..
59 minutes ago -
Brunson sets Knicks record with 47 to lead New York over 76ers
1 hour ago
-
Football: French Ligue 1 table
7 hours ago -
Inter continue Serie A title party as Bologna slip in Champions League bid
7 hours ago -
Paris Saint-Germain win Ligue 1 title after Monaco defeat
8 hours ago -
Man City see off Forest to close on Premier League leaders Arsenal
8 hours ago -
Italian PM Meloni says will stand in EU elections
9 hours ago -
Masood Khan hails Pakistani-American physicians role in upgrading Pakistan's healthcare system; also ..
9 hours ago