CNN: US and Taliban agree in principle to framework for peace deal, US envoy says
Officials from the United States and the Taliban have agreed in principle to a framework that could eventually bring Afghanistan's long-running war to an end, the US Special Representative for Afghanistan said Monday.
In comments given to the New York Times and confirmed to CNN by the US Embassy in Kabul, Zalmay Khalilzad said the framework for peace would see the insurgent group vow to prevent the country from being used as a hub for terrorism in return for a US military withdrawal.
"We have a draft of the framework that has to be fleshed out before it becomes an agreement," Khalilzad told the Times on Monday. "The Taliban have committed, to our satisfaction, to do what is necessary that would prevent Afghanistan from ever becoming a platform for international terrorist groups or individuals."
The peace negotiations in Doha, Qatar had previously been described on Saturday by Khalilzad as "more productive than they have been in the past," signaling the first significant shift in the geopolitical stalemate in years. But he added that "nothing is agreed until everything is agreed."
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WNU Editor: This is the Afghan President's response .... Afghanistan's President Assures Citizens Amid Report of U.S.-Taliban Peace Progress (Time).
More News On Reports That The U.S. And Taliban Have Agreed In Principle To Framework For Peace Deal
U.S. committed to pulling foreign forces out of Afghanistan: official -- Reuters
US and Taliban "draft" framework for Afghanistan peace deal on ceasefire and withdrawal as President Ghani calls for talks -- CBS/AFP
US, Taliban agree to preliminary peace framework: report -- The Hill
U.S. and Taliban Agree in Principle to Peace Framework, Envoy Says -- The New York Times
U.S. inches closer to deal with Taliban that could lead to American troop pullout; Afghan president calls for direct talks with insurgents -- Washington Post
US framework deal with Taliban raises hope of Afghan peace -- The Guardian
Special US envoy: 'Significant progress on vital issues' made in talks with Taliban -- Washington Examiner
Khalilzad Briefs Ghani On Doha Talks -- TOLO News
Will Trump Withdraw From Afghanistan Next? Taliban, U.S. Agree to Peace Framework Principles -- Newsweek
US-Taliban talks offer glimmer of hope for peace -- Euronews
