Iran Press/ Middle East: Key issues in Thursday's talks, which began a day after US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad arrived in Doha, remain the withdrawal of the US and other foreign forces from Afghanistan and a commitment by the Taliban that the country will not be used as a launchpad for global attacks, Reuters reported.
The two sides entered peace negotiations in October last year, and an agreement on these two central issues would set the stage for separate negotiations between Afghan officials and the Taliban on a permanent ceasefire and a power-sharing government.
The Taliban has so far refused to speak to the Afghan government, calling a 'puppet regime'. The group says any engagement with Kabul would grant it legitimacy.
In a statement confirming the start of the ninth round of US-Taliban talks, group spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said on Thursday that General Scott Miller, the commander of the US forces and the NATO-led non-combat Resolution Support (RS) mission in Afghanistan, was also present at the meeting in the Qatari capital.
After the conclusion of the eighth round of talks last week, a Taliban representative in Doha who is part of the group's negotiating team said a peace deal was 'near', without providing further details.
Related news:
Taliban, US resolved differences on Afghanistan withdrawal
In June, during the seventh round of talks, both sides said there was an understanding of troop withdrawal but the details, including a timeline, had not been worked out yet.
Related news:
Afghan leaders begin two-day peace talks in Pakistan, Taliban absent
About 14,000 US troops and some 17,000 troops from 39 NATO allies and partner countries are in Afghanistan in a non-combative role. 213/208
Read more:
Afghan government ready for direct talks with Taliban
Taliban, Afghan leaders agree on a road map for peace
US envoy lauds latest 'peace talks' with Taliban as productive
