US, Taliban take break after extensive peace talks

Taliban and U.S. negotiators are taking a two-day break from peace talks following extensive discussions, a Taliban spokesman said Thursday.

"The meetings ended last night as both negotiation teams agreed to take a break today and tomorrow for consultations and preparation for the third meeting, which shall be held on Saturday," Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement.

The fifth round of peace talks between U.S. officials and the Taliban began Monday in the Qatari capital Doha to end Afghanistan’s 17-year conflict.

The U.S. team is being led by its top envoy, Zalmay Khalilzad, while the Taliban side is headed by Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai.

"Extensive discussions were held about the method of foreign troop withdrawal from Tuesday until Wednesday noon, and from that time onwards, the discussion revolved around preventing Afghanistan from being used against others" -- probably meaning the U.S. -- said Mujahid.

Meanwhile, the head of the Taliban’s diplomatic office in Doha, Mullah Baradar Akhund, met with Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Abdulrahman al-Thani, National Security Advisor Muhammad al-Musnad, Khalilzad, and Gen. Scott Miller, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan.

The meetings focused on discussions about the ongoing negotiation process and withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan.

"Mullah Baradar clarified the policy of the Islamic Emirate [Taliban] regarding the withdrawal of foreign forces and the changing situation in Afghanistan while emphasizing our commitment to the current peace process and the establishment of an Islamic system in Afghanistan," said Mujahid.

"Just finished a working lunch with Mullah Baradar and his team. First time we've met. Now moving on to talks," Khalilzad said Monday on Twitter following his first meeting with Baradar.

Khalilzad also praised the roles of Qatar and Pakistan in the ongoing peace process.