Taliban Say Its Refusal To Join Istanbul Summit Does Not Mean Intra-Afghan Talks Stalled

KABUL (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 21st April, 2021) The Taliban's refusal to participate in the international conference on Afghanistan in Istanbul does not mean that the intra-Afghan negotiations stalled, the movement continues contacts with the government, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told Sputnik in an interview.

Istanbul was scheduled to host a conference with participation of the Afghan government and the Taliban from April 24-May 4. However, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu announced on Tuesday that the event would be postponed, as it makes no sense without the Taliban's participation.

The movement earlier refused to participate in any conferences until all foreign troops were withdrawn from Afghanistan.

"Our talks have not stalled. We are in contact with the other side. We may not have made any progress, because some other proposals have come forward, such as the Istanbul Summit, some new approaches and new designs arrived, it may have had an impact, but the Doha negotiation process is ongoing and important decisions may be made in the future," Mujahid said.