US hopes intra-Afghan talks in Doha will be held soon; Khalilzad embarks on new trip

During the conversation, the sides agreed that the Doha conference presents an important opportunity to advance peace, said Morgan Ortagus, a spokesperson for the US Department of State.
Pompeo urged all sides to seize the moment and reach an understanding on particpants, so that an inclusive intra-Afghan dialogue can be convened in Doha as soon as possible.
The intra-Afghan dialogue in Doha was expected to be held during 19-21 April, but the meeting was postponed due to disagreement over participants.
Meanwhile, US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad has embarked on new trip involving Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Qatar, Russia and the United Kingdom, as part of efforts to facilitate a political settlement that ends the conflict in Afghanistan.
In Kabul, Special Representative Khalilzad will consult with the Afghan government and other Afghans to encourage all parties to work towards intra-Afghan dialogue and negotiations to determine a final peace settlement, the US Department of State said in a statement.
In London, Moscow, Islamabad, and New Delhi, he will work to build international support for the Afghan peace process to help ensure that any peace settlement reached will be sustainable, the statement said.
In Doha, he will continue to press forward on negotiations with the Taliban to reach a consensus on core national security issues, and urge their participation in an inclusive intra-Afghan dialogue, the statement added.
“A bump in the road isn't reason to slow down,” Khalilzad said on Twitter.