US welcomes breakthrough in Afghanistan peace negotiations, terms it 'major milestone'

US on Wednesday welcomed breakthrough in peace talks between negotiators from Afghan government and Taliban, with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo describing it as a "major milestone". Afghan government and Taliban representatives said on Wednesday y h reached a preliminary deal to press on with peace talks, ir first written agreement in 19 years of war. agreement comes months after tha landmark intra-Afghan peace talks began in Doha. It lays out way forward for furr discussions and will allow negotiators to move on to more substantive issues.

"This agreement is a major milestone in Afghanistan Peace Negotiations that have been underway since September 12, 2020,” Pompeo said.

ting that agreement codifies rules and procedures two sides have been negotiating since start of talks, he said that teams me a number of important decisions that will guide ir negotiations on a political romap and a comprehensive ceasefire. Congratulating both sides on ir perseverance and willingness to find common ground, Pompeo said achievement demonstrates that Afghan government and Taliban were serious, able to overcome differences, and rey to deal with difficult issues.

"What has been achieved provides hope y will succeed in reaching a political settlement to this more than forty-year-old conflict. United States thanks Qatar for its role as host and facilitator of talks," he said.

"Rapid progress on a political romap and a ceasefire is what people of Afghanistan want more than anything else,” Pompeo said.

He said US, along with most of international community, will continue to support peace process in pursuit of this goal. "As negotiations on a political romap and permanent ceasefire begin, we will also work hard with all sides in pursuit of a serious reduction of violence and ceasefire," Pompeo said.