On Thursday, envoys from the US, China, and other countries urged for an expedited peace process in Afghanistan as a “matter of great urgency,” as well as an immediate halt to strikes on provincial capitals and cities, according to Reuters.
Foreign capitals would not recognize any government in Afghanistan “imposed through the use of military force,” according to a statement released after envoys met with Afghan government negotiators and Taliban representatives in Qatar.
The Doha negotiations attempting to break an impasse in peace talks took place as the Taliban launched offensives across Afghanistan, overrunning at least nine provincial capitals. According to US intelligence, the rebels might capture Kabul in 90 days.
The Taliban have gained control of around two-thirds of the country, with the rest of the US-led foreign forces due to leave by the end of this month.
The statement demanded an immediate end to violence and attacks in and against provincial capitals and other cities, as well as action by all parties to establish a political settlement and complete a ceasefire as soon as possible.
Participants in the Doha negotiations, which included Pakistan, the United Nations, and the European Union, pledged to help with reconstruction once a ‘viable’ political settlement is established, according to a statement.
