The US is to commence direct peace talks with the Taliban said White House officials, on the condition that the Taliban renounce violence, endorse the Afghan constitution and denounce al-Qaeda.
The talks are expected to start next week at the Taliban's newly opened political office in Doha, Qatar.
In a statement, the Taliban said:
The talks are expected to start next week at the Taliban's newly opened political office in Doha, Qatar.
In a statement, the Taliban said:
"The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan doesn't want any threats from Afghanistan soil to other countries, and neither permits anyone to threaten other countries using Afghanistan soil.
"We support a political and peaceful solution that ends Afghanistan's occupation, and guarantees the Islamic system and nationwide security."Whilst hailing the move as "an important first step toward reconciliation", US president, Barack Obama warned that it was "a very early step".