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US-Taliban talks to take ‘brief pause’ after airbase attack
WASHINGTON, Dec 13, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – The United States announced Thursday a
pause in talks with the Taliban after an attack near a US airbase in
Afghanistan.
“When I met the Talibs today, I expressed outrage about yesterday’s attack
on Bagram, which recklessly killed two and wounded dozens of civilians,” US
special representative for Afghanistan peace talks Zalmay Khalilzad said on
Twitter.
“#Taliban must show they are willing & able to respond to Afghan desire for
peace,” he tweeted.
Wednesday’s early morning assault, for which the Taliban have claimed
responsibility, began when a suicide bomber detonated his explosive-packed
vehicle outside a hospital building near Bagram military base in Parwan
province, north of the capital Kabul, according to local officials.
It came despite the resumption of talks between the US and the insurgent
group just days before in Qatar, as the parties look for a path to reduce
violence or even reach a cease-fire, allowing a gradual withdrawal of US
troops from Afghanistan.
Negotiations began earlier this year, though US President Donald Trump
unexpectedly suspended talks in September just as the parties were about to
reach an agreement, citing a fatal attack in Kabul, in which an American
soldier was killed.
He announced last month they would start up again, insisting on the need
for a cease-fire.
Trump made a surprise visit to Bagram on November 28 to celebrate
Thanksgiving with his troops and meet with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani.
According to September’s draft agreement, the Taliban would be required to
commit to certain security measures, agree to talks with the Afghan
government and promise a reduction of violence in exchange for US troop
withdrawal.
BSS/AFP/GMR/0855 hrs