Pompeo Calls on Taliban Political Deputy Mullah Beradar 

United States secretary of state Mike Pompeo met with Taliban Political Deputy Mullah Beradar to welcome the launch of Afghan peace negotiations.

He said on his official Twitter account, “The Taliban must seize this opportunity to forge a political settlement & reach a comprehensive & permanent ceasefire to end 40 years of war. This effort must be Afghan-led.”

Met with Taliban Political Deputy Mullah Beradar to welcome the launch of Afghan peace negotiations. The Taliban must seize this opportunity to forge a political settlement & reach a comprehensive & permanent ceasefire to end 40 years of war. This effort must be Afghan led. pic.twitter.com/i7AUlGsBGz

— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) September 12, 2020

Note that for the first time, inter-Afghan talks between the Afghan government and Taliban representatives have begun in the Qatari capital, Doha, with the aim of ending decades of war in Afghanistan.

The opening ceremony of the historic peace talks in Doha was inaugurated by Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, and was attended by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and US Special Representative for Afghanistan Zalmai Khalilzad.

According to the reports, the talks are necessary for a lasting peace that will pave the way for the withdrawal of US and NATO forces almost 19 years later.

The talks will seek to address difficult issues, including a permanent ceasefire, the rights of women and minorities, and the disarmament of thousands of Taliban fighters and militias, some of whom are in alliance with the government.

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Talks are also expected on constitutional change and the transfer of power from Afghanistan.

Moreover, seemingly worldly issues such as flags and the name of the country can find their way through the negotiating table.

The Afghan government delegation also includes four women who will insist on protecting women’s rights in any power-sharing agreement with the Taliban, including the right to work, education and participation in political life. There were those who were not allowed during the 5 years of the Taliban when they ruled Afghanistan.

However, the Taliban’s negotiating team, headed by Chief Justice Abdul Hakim, does not include any female members.