"You see mid-level, senior-level Taliban leaders engaging with Afghans," said General Nicholson, adding that a lot of the diplomatic activity was taking place "off the stage". Afghan President Ashraf Ghani proposed negotiations in February, saying the Taliban could be recognised as a political party if they accepted a ceasefire and recognised the country's Constitution. General Nicholson said initial indications suggested that the Taliban and the Haqqani network were behind the attack, even though the Islamic State claimed responsibility for it, according to Tolo. Comparing Afghanistan's situation to Colombia -- where a 50-year civil war led to a peace treaty in 2016 -- General Nicholson said "violence and progress could coexist". General Nicholson said the retreating Taliban leaders were observed attending a meeting of other leaders in the province, an area under the Taliban's control.

Source: bd News24 May 31, 2018 10:18 UTC