The 19-year conflict is also the United States' longest overseas military action, vexing three successive presidents. The ceremony began at 9 am (0600 GMT) with a recitation from the Koran, followed by opening comments by Qatar's foreign minister. Major players in the process, including Afghanistan's peace council chairman Abdullah Abdullah and Taliban leader Mullah Baradar Akhund, and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo are also scheduled to speak. The inauguration ceremony comes one day after the 19th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the United States that triggered its military involvement in Afghanistan. A European diplomat in Kabul said that a ceasefire - which the Taliban have so far rejected - should top the talk's agenda.

Source: bd News24 September 12, 2020 06:11 UTC