Doha negotiations: Technical teams fail to meet

KABUL (Pajhwok): After a daylong break on Friday, technical teams of the government and Taliban have failed to meet in Doha, an official said.

Najia Anwari, spokesperson for the Ministry of Peace Affairs, told Pajhwok Afghan News the technical teams could not met on Saturday after Friday’s break.

Anwari said government negotiators held a meeting on Saturday, which discussed procedures for peace negotiations with the insurgent group.

A source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said contact groups of the two sides were expected to meet on Saturday, but the meeting did not happen due to internal discussions.

The two negotiating teams were expected to meet today (Sunday), the source indicated, giving no further details.

At Saturday’s meeting, which could not take place, the two sides were to discuss rules and regulations for the peace talks.

The type of government and human rights are among the sticking points between the negotiating teams Contact groups.

Ignoring calls from stakeholders, the Taliban say they will not agree to a ceasefire unless the main cause of the war is discussed.

sa/mud