After months of delays, ‘historic’ Afghan peace talks to open

KABUL (HRNW) – Long-delayed peace talks between the Taliban and Afghan government negotiators will begin Saturday in Qatar, officials said, marking a potentially momentous milestone in Afghanistan s 19-year-old war. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will travel to Doha for the opening of the US-backed negotiations, as President Donald Trump seeks to honor his pledge to halt the country s “endless wars” overseas with just two months to go until he faces re-election. The talks had originally been slated to start in March but were repeatedly pushed back amid disputes over a prisoner exchange that included the release of hundreds of battle-hardened Taliban fighters. Trump announced Pompeo would depart Thursday “on a historic trip to Doha, Qatar, for the beginning of intra-Afghan peace negotiations.” The insurgents, the Afghan government and Qatari officials all confirmed on Thursday the talks would begin Saturday following an opening ceremony in Doha. Pompeo, in a statement, called the talks a “historic” opportunity to end decades of war and bloodshed, adding “This opportunity must not be squandered”.