WASHINGTON — The United States has welcomed the recent talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban. In a press statement on Monday, Ned Price, the spokesman of the US State Department, said: "The United States welcomes the talks held July 17-18 between senior leaders of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the Taliban in Doha and the commitment the two sides have declared to accelerate negotiations towards an inclusive political settlement. Only a negotiated settlement can bring a lasting end to over 40 years of conflict in Afghanistan." In the statement, the US urged the Taliban to uphold the commitment in the Joint Declaration to protect Afghanistan's infrastructure, protect civilians, and cooperate on humanitarian assistance. "The United States commends the leadership of the State of Qatar in bringing the parties together as well as the United Nations for the essential role it is playing. We remain committed to working alongside the international community and Afghanistan's neighbors in advancing the Afghanistan peace process and supporting the people of Afghanistan in achieving the just and lasting peace they deserve," the statement added. The two-day talks involving senior representatives of the Kabul government including head of the High Council for National Reconciliation Abdullah Abdullah ended on Sunday without significant progress. Ahead of the second day of talks, Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada had said "the Islamic Emirate strenuously favors a political settlement" despite the group's lightning victories on the ground.
