Afghanistan-taliban Peace Talks

China is likely to host a second round of peace talks between the Afghan government and Taliban representatives next week, an Afghan official said today, raising hopes for progress toward a political settlement to end years of bloodshed.

Talks last week between Afghanistan and Taliban negotiators were hailed by officials as a major breakthrough, but insurgent commanders on the ground have responded far more sceptically, highlighting the huge challenges facing the embryonic peace process.

China is likely to host a second round of peace talks between the Afghan government and Taliban representatives next week, an Afghan official said today, raising hopes for progress toward a political settlement to end years of bloodshed.

Talks last week between Afghanistan and Taliban negotiators were hailed by officials as a major breakthrough, but insurgent commanders on the ground have responded far more sceptically, highlighting the huge challenges facing the embryonic peace process.