Afghan Peace Talks with Taliban... "Will It End 40 Years of Civil War?"

Afghanistan Releases 6 Controversial Taliban Prisoners
Taliban to Engage in Peace Talks
Starting on the 12th in Katat Doha
Pompeo, US Secretary of State, Expected to Attend

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] The Afghan government and the Taliban are set to begin peace talks in Doha, Qatar. Attention is focused on whether the civil war that has lasted for 40 years will come to an end through these peace talks.

Zalmay Khalilzad, the US Special Representative for Afghanistan Peace, and Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar are facing each other after signing the peace agreement on February 29 this year.
[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

On the 10th (local time), The Washington Post (WP) reported that the last obstacle to peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban was resolved with the release of six Taliban prisoners who had been a contentious issue. These six Taliban prisoners had been arrested by the Afghan government on charges of killing Americans, French, Australians, and others. They were sent to Doha, Qatar on the same day and are now under house arrest. With this issue resolved, the Afghan government and the Taliban will begin peace talks in Doha on the 12th.

U.S. President Donald Trump said during a press conference that day, "Going forward, we will get along well with the Taliban and the Afghan government." U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will also attend the talks. WP stated that the Trump administration views these talks as a crucial milestone in achieving its diplomatic goal of withdrawing U.S. troops from Afghanistan.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani tweeted, "I hope the Afghan government negotiation team succeeds in talks that will bring lasting peace and stability, a long-cherished wish of the Afghan people."

The Taliban officially confirmed that they would engage in talks with the Afghan government immediately after the six prisoners were verified to be in Doha.

Earlier in February this year, the U.S. signed a peace agreement with the Taliban. Subsequently, negotiations between the Afghan government and the Taliban were supposed to continue, but sharp disagreements over issues such as prisoner releases delayed the timing of the peace talks.

The U.S. also shows strong commitment to the talks. Despite opposition from allies regarding the release of Taliban prisoners who had killed Americans and others, the U.S. tacitly approved it, clearly confirming its stance.

Secretary Pompeo, who is scheduled to attend the talks, said, "This is a historic opportunity for Afghanistan to end 40 years of war and bloodshed," adding, "The tremendous sacrifices and investments of the United States, its partners, and the Afghan people have created this moment of hope."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.