Elements of the Taliban open to talks with Afghan government, says Mattis
US Defence Secretary is currently in Kabul on an unannounced visit, according to sources
US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani. PHOTO COURTESY: WJCT
KABUL:
Elements of the Taliban are open to talks with the Afghan government, US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis said Tuesday as he arrived in Kabul on an unannounced visit.
Mattis' remarks came as he flew into the war-torn city, weeks after Afghan President Ashraf Ghani unveiled a plan to open peace talks with the Taliban. The insurgents have so far given no formal response to Kabul's offer for negotiations.
US defence chief urges Pakistan to ‘redouble’ efforts against militants
But Mattis said some insurgent leaders have expressed an interest in discussions.
"It may not be that the whole Taliban comes over in one fell swoop, that would be a bridge too far, but there are elements of the Taliban clearly interested in talking to the Afghan government," Mattis told reporters aboard a military jet.
US ready to address Pakistan's legitimate concerns, Mattis assures Gen Qamar
Ghani's peace plan includes eventually recognising the Taliban as a political party.
The insurgent group has said it was prepared to negotiate, but only with the US and not with the Kabul government.
"Right now we want the Afghans to lead and to provide the substance of the reconciliation effort," Mattis said.
Elements of the Taliban are open to talks with the Afghan government, US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis said Tuesday as he arrived in Kabul on an unannounced visit.
Mattis' remarks came as he flew into the war-torn city, weeks after Afghan President Ashraf Ghani unveiled a plan to open peace talks with the Taliban. The insurgents have so far given no formal response to Kabul's offer for negotiations.
US defence chief urges Pakistan to ‘redouble’ efforts against militants
But Mattis said some insurgent leaders have expressed an interest in discussions.
"It may not be that the whole Taliban comes over in one fell swoop, that would be a bridge too far, but there are elements of the Taliban clearly interested in talking to the Afghan government," Mattis told reporters aboard a military jet.
US ready to address Pakistan's legitimate concerns, Mattis assures Gen Qamar
Ghani's peace plan includes eventually recognising the Taliban as a political party.
The insurgent group has said it was prepared to negotiate, but only with the US and not with the Kabul government.
"Right now we want the Afghans to lead and to provide the substance of the reconciliation effort," Mattis said.