Four Nations Discussing Peace Talks With Taliban

Islamabad is hosting a fifth round of four-nation Afghan peace talks aimed at reviving long-stalled negotiations between the Taliban and the Afghan government.

Afghanistan’s ambassador to Pakistan, Omar Zakhilwal, is representing Kabul at the meeting with diplomats from Pakistan, the United States, and China.

A spokesman for Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, Dawa Khan Menapal, said the country would not be sending a delegation from Kabul “until Pakistan fulfills its promises made during previous meetings."

The four countries have been attempting since January to bring Taliban delegates to the table in order to restart direct peace talks.

But progress stalled as the Taliban launched a spring offensive and intensified its battle against Afghan government forces.

The Taliban says the departure of all foreign forces is a precondition for resuming direct talks with Kabul.

With reporting by Reuters