US, Taliban to Sign «Peace» Deal

By Staff, Agencies

The US and Taliban are set to sign a peace deal that could signal the end of the US's longest war after nearly two years of protracted negotiations in the Qatari capital, Doha.

Diplomats from Afghanistan, the US, India, Pakistan and other UN member states started gathering on Saturday morning along with Taliban representatives at the Sheraton Hotel in Doha, a five-star resort overlooking the Arabian Gulf where the peace deal is expected to be signed at around 11:00 GMT.

Late on Friday, US President Trump in a statement urged Afghans to seize the opportunity for peace and "a new future" for their country.

"Nearly 19 years ago, American service members went to Afghanistan to root out the terrorists responsible for the 9/11 attacks.  In that time, we have made great progress in Afghanistan, but at great cost to our brave service members, to the American taxpayers, and to the people of Afghanistan.

Trump further stated: "When I ran for office, I promised the American people I would begin to bring our troops home, and seek to end this war.  We are making substantial progress on that promise.”

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will witness the signing in Doha, while War Secretary Mark Esper is expected to issue a joint declaration with the government of Afghanistan in Kabul.

The deal comes a week after a "reduction in violence" [RIV] agreement announced by Washington, which has largely held.

Over the past week, at least 19 security forces and four civilians have been killed – a marked decrease compared with previous weeks - that the Afghan government attributed to the Taliban.