The Taliban have twice offered to talk to the US, but ruled out talks with the Kabul Government. (Reuters)
ABC News Online: Taliban pours cold water on Afghanistan President's peace talk invitation
The Taliban has issued a cool response to proposals that they should begin peace talks with the Afghan Government, a day after President Ashraf Ghani offered a pact to recognise the insurgents as a legitimate party in negotiations.
The movement has not yet given any formal answer to Mr Ghani's invitation, made at a conference of officials from countries in the so-called Kabul Process aimed at creating a platform for talks to end more than 16 years of war.
But its chief spokesman did reply to an open letter published this week in the New Yorker magazine by Barnett Rubin, a respected commentator on Afghan politics, who urged the Taliban to accept talks with the Kabul Government.
Read more ....
Update: Taliban pour cold water on invitation to Afghan peace talks (Reuters)
Previous Post: Afghan President Ghani Offers Peace Talks With Taliban "Without Condition" (February 28, 2018)
WNU Editor: Cannot say that I am surprised. And this is probably the last chance for peace .... Afghan leader's offer to Taliban is a last-ditch gamble for peace (Simon Tisdall, The Guardian).
