US says violence levels in Afghanistan 'too high' amid peace talks stalemate

As Afghan peace process faces stalemate, Special US Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation said that level of violation is unacceptably high with possibility of furr setbacks during talks. spotlight from peace talks has faded after lavish opening ceremony on September 12 as Afghan government and Taliban continue to disagree on even basic issues.

“By any measure, current levels of violence are too high,” special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad told a Congressional hearing.

intra-Afghan negotiations kicked off in Doha under chairmanship of Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs. While Taliban has pledged to respect women’s rights, reports suggest that many of educated women remain sceptical. Democrats asked Khalilzad wher withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan under peace deal could end education for Afghan girls.

“I want to assure Afghan women that we will be with m,” special envoy said.

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During opening ceremony, head of Afghanistan’s peace council, Abdullah Abdullah, had thanked Taliban for showing “willingness to negotiate” to end 19 years of war. Afghan government's top negotiator said y could strike a peace deal to put an end to decades of conflict if warring parties come toger.

“While we have reasons to be hopeful, we are under illusions about challenges ahead. ... We expect that re will be setbacks and obstacles,” Khalilzad told House.

Questions over prisoners' release

Ahead of peace talks, Khalilzad told a press briefing that people of Afghanistan demand an end to war and United States support m in that effort. US media questioned Afghan government’s decision, under peace deal, to release prisoners convicted of deadly attacks on international troops. Citing joint statement, Khalilzad said that difficult decisions had to be made as a confidence-building measure in order to achieve a great objective.

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