US special envoy meets Taliban leaders to discuss peace process, prisoners' release

US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilz on Sunday met with Taliban leers to discuss US-Taliban peace process and release of remaining prisoners. Khalilz met with group's deputy leer Mullah Barar and chief negotiator Abdul Hakim to discuss future of deal signed between United States and Taliban in February this year. 

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According to deal between United States and Taliban, it was decided that Afghan government would release at least 5,000 Taliban prisoners, while group would release 1,000 Afghan soldiers. It was also decided that United States would significantly reduce number of soldiers stationed in Afghanistan in coming months. 

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Taliban-Afghan govt talks move to 2nd phase 

meeting came a day after Afghanistan High Council for National Reconciliation (HCNR) became operational. Afghanistan High Council for National Reconciliation (HCNR), an inclusive and authoritative body on peace effort held its first Leership Committee meeting on Saturday in Doha, Qatar. Committee will be an authoritative body for Afghanistan as it negotiates power-sharing agreement and or terms for peace in country with Taliban. 

" United States welcomes formation and first Leership Committee meeting of Afghanistan High Council for National Reconciliation today. This inclusive body is chaired by Dr. Abdullah Abdullah. Afghan leers across political spectrum have unified to make decisions and mobilize support for a just and lasting peace.  All sides of conflict should come toger and chart a path to peace," US State Secretary Mike Pompeo said.

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Both sides have w moved into next step of negotiations after completing discussions on rules and procedures in first phase in Doha. talks between Afghan government and Taliban began in September this year in an effort to end 20-year-long war in country. Despite regular skirmishes between Afghan soldiers and Taliban fighters, US and international community are hopeful of a solution at end of talks.

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(With inputs from ANI)