Informing humanitarians worldwide 24/7 — a service provided by UN OCHA

Afghanistan

Afghan Government: ‘Optimistic’ on Opening Talks with Taliban

Acting Foreign Minister Asks, Will Taliban ‘Respect Will of the Afghan People’?

Friday, August 28, 2020 / By: USIP Staff

Afghanistan’s government is optimistic that the delayed peace talks with the Taliban can start soon, acting Foreign Minister Mohammed Haneef Atmar told an online audience. Atmar’s comments are the latest sign that one reason for the five-month delay, disputes over the two sides’ release of prisoners they have been holding, may be nearly resolved. Taliban attacks on government forces have continued, and civilian casualties have remained high, as the two sides have wrestled over conditions for starting the talks as envisioned in a February agreement between the United States and the Taliban.

Read the full report.