Afghanistan government, Taliban leaders announce breakthrough in peace negotiations

In a significant step towards peace, Afghanistan government and Taliban leers anunce reaching an understanding on Wednesday, December 2. preliminary deal marks first written agreement between government forces and Taliban in 19 years of war. 

Afghan peace talks began on September 12 in Qatari capital of Doha, where Taliban has an office, but soon hit an impass over procedural matters. negotiators were divided about which form of Islamic law should govern disputes between sides. latest agreement on preamble of peace negotiation will allow negotiators to move on to substantive issues, including ceasefire discussions.

Ner Nery of Afghan government's negotiation team and Taliban spokesman Mohamm Naeem anunced breakthrough on Twitter simultaneously.

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development comes amid a sharp rise in clashes between government forces and Taliban fighters on ground. anuncement has been welcomed by international community as a 'springboard to peace'. US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilz welcomed agreement in a series of tweets. He congratulated both sides on ir perseverance and said "this is what Afghan people want and deserve". 

Last month, Taliban h questioned legitimacy of President Ashraf Ghani's ministration and refused to accept negotiating team as 'representatives of Afghan government' as referred to on agreement preamble. As per reports, both sides have kept aside some contentious issues to deal with separately.

Meanwhile, United States is preparing to withdraw its troops from war-torn country at earliest.  Trump ministration is expected to cut number of US forces in Afghanistan almost in half by January 15. 

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