Afghan gov’t rejects US, Taliban possible direct talks

Afghan officials on Tuesday rejected reports on possible direct peace talks to gather the United States and Taliban.

Any peace talks would only be held under the leadership of the Afghan government, the local Tolo News quoted a presidential spokesman as saying.

The US can play a role just in this context, the spokesman added.

Earlier in the day, US officials said Washington is open to holding direct talks with the Taliban to encourage negotiations between the militant group and the Afghan government to end 17 years of war.

The US officials added that Afghan-to-Afghan negotiation remains the goal of any engagement with the militants.