NASA head Nelson says China hiding military presence in space
"I think that we just better not let down our guard," Nelson added.
The Taliban said on Wednesday that their “doors are open” in case US President Donald Trump wants to resume peace talks in the future, hours after two attacks claimed by the terror group that killed 48 people in Afghanistan.
Last week, peace talks between Washington and the Taliban to reach a deal on the withdrawal of thousands of American troops collapsed after President Donald Trump cited an attack that killed a US soldier as his reason for pulling out of negotiations. The talks did not include the Afghan government.
Earlier this month, the two sides had appeared close to a deal to end the 18-year conflict.
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Late on Tuesday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo issued a statement condemning recent Taliban attacks, saying the group “must begin to demonstrate a genuine commitment to peace”.
Following the bombings, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo issued a statement saying the group “must begin to demonstrate a genuine commitment to peace”.
The Taliban — who are now in control of more territory in Afghanistan than at any point since US-led forces ousted them in 2001 — do not recognize the legitimacy of Ghani’s administration. They have refused to hold direct talks with the Afghan government until a US deal is agreed.
Stanikzai said intra-Afghan talks would have started on September 23, had a deal been reached, and would have included discussions about a wider ceasefire.
He also confirmed that the Taliban had approached both Russia and China for help in the peace negotiations.
Meanwhile, Afghan National Security Adviser Hamdullah Mohibt said that Taliban “intimidation tactics” would not succeed. “The only way they can see peace in Afghanistan is by negotiating with the Afghan government.
“Open discussions with our neighbours, those who are sponsoring and supporting the Taliban – that needs to be at the front of our discussions, not the back of it,” he added.
(With Agencies inputs)
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