Update- Afghan Taliban: We Are Ready For Talks With Afghan Govt

Afghan Taliban chief Mullah Omar is ready for peace talks with Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani and negotiations can begin as early as next week in Kabul, a leading Afghan Taliban representative told AA Sunday.



After holding a secret meeting with Pakistani officials in Islamabad, Qari Din Mohammad, representative of Omar, returned to Qatar and gave an exclusive interview to AA.



"We are ready for peace talks with the ruling Afghan government. These negotiations are expected to be held in Kabul next week," Mohammad said.



"Consultations are currently underway within our council, and Amirul Mumineen Mullah Omar will soon decide names of those who will be involved in the delegation (for the talks)," he said.



Sartaj Aziz, Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's National Security and External Relations Adviser, confirmed the recent secret negotiations between Afghan Taliban and Afghan government in Pakistan.



"Pakistan is playing a supporting role only for political reconciliation in Afghanistan. We do not have any role beyond it. Now, the process is secret and we cannot say more than this," Aziz said.



"Afghan Taliban have been at war for years and I think they are now tired. Some political roles can be given to them in the Afghan government," he added.



www.aa.com.tr/en - Ankara