Negotiations between the Taliban and US officials in Qatar entered a fourth straight day Thursday, according to the insurgents, as the two sides pursue a potential deal to bring an end to Afghanistan’s 17-year conflict.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed to AFP that “discussions are still ongoing”.

“We will talk in detail later when we reach agreement,” the spokesman added.

Washington has been stepping up efforts for a peace deal that could pave the way for the Taliban’s participation in the next government.

“Both sides are discussing the various aspects of the US troops’ withdrawal,” a senior Taliban commander based in an unknown location in Pakistan told AFP, adding that a statement could be released later in the day or on Friday.

The Pakistan foreign ministry also confirmed that talks were ongoing between the two sides. However, there was no immediate comment from the US embassy or NATO in Kabul.

The US said Tuesday it had resumed talks with the insurgents in Qatar, where special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad was meeting Taliban representatives.

Source: AFP