DOHA (QATAR) -Afghan peace negotiators and the Taliban have reached an agreement on a code of conduct as a precaution against the risk of breakdown of discussions. The talks began last month to bring an end to decades of hostilities.
According to sources, both sides drew up 19 ground rules that the negotiators should observe during the discussions and the breakthrough was achieved with the help of US officials.
The talks are taking place in Qatar’s capital Doha and scores of soldiers and Taliban fighters have been killed in clashes. Dozens of civilians have also been killed in recent weeks.
“Firming up code of conduct was extremely crucial as it proves that both sides are willing to continue talks even as we see that violence has not reduced on the ground,” said a Western diplomat.
The major achievement came in the backdrop of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani holding talks with Zalmay Khalilzad, who is the US Special Envoy, and Gen. Austin Miller, the top commander for US and NATO troops in Afghanistan.
The discussions are the result of a path-breaking pact inked between the US and the Taliban in February.
As per the agreement, foreign troops will leave the country in exchange for a permanent ceasefire and a power-sharing deal with the Afghan government.
According to diplomats, the negotiations got off to a difficult start over disputes over how the Hanafi Islamic code can be used to guide the talks and on whether the pact signed between the US and the Taliban should be the foundation for the peace talks.
