US-Taliban talks postponed

The talks between the US and Afghan Taliban slated for Monday in Islamabad have been postponed, as some members of Taliban negotiating team could not travel to Pakistan for the meeting due to sanctions imposed by America and the UN.

Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid announced last week that talks with the US will take place in Pakistan's capital, while they will also meet Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The Taliban said in a statement that most members of the negotiations team were unable to travel due to the US and UN blacklist and the meeting was postponed.

Security officials said that some of the members of the Taliban were still under sanctions but it was not the sole



reason for the delay.

They said Afghanistan was not comfortable with these talks and the delay in the arrival of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman visit was another reason.

Now, the next round of talks between the Taliban and the US will be held on February 25 in Doha as planned earlier.

Last month, the two sides held detailed talks and there were indications that they have come closer to end more than 17 years of conflict in Afghanistan.