Afghanistan: Stage set for landmark US, Taliban deal

DOHA, QATAR - FEBRUARY 29: Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo attend the signing ceremony of peace agreement between US, Taliban, in Doha, Qatar on February 29, 2020. US to reduce number of troops in Afghanistan to 8,600, to implement other commitments in US-Taliban agreement within 135 days. The stage is set in Qatar's capital for a landmark peace deal between the U.S. and the Taliban that could end the U.S.' longest war. The Sheraton Hotel in Doha is teeming with foreign diplomats and dignitaries invited to witness the historic signing by U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Taliban co-founder and deputy chief Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar on Saturday. The ceremony is scheduled for 2 p.m. local time (1100GMT). The landmark peace deal was preceded by an agreement for week-long reduction in violence that ended on Friday. The U.S.-Taliban deal includes pledges from Washington on a phased withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan, and a vow from the Taliban not to harbor international terrorists. The U.S. currently has upwards of 12,000 troops in Afghanistan conducting operations in support of Afghan forces, as well as a broader anti-terror mission. The Taliban will also commit to negotiations with Afghan officials, politicians, and civil society representatives. The Afghan government formed an initial direct contact group to start talks with the Taliban, Javaid Faisal, spokesman for the National Security Council, told Anadolu Agency. U.S. Defence Secretary Mark Esper and NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg are expected to issue a joint declaration on Saturday to reiterate support for the Afghan government. U.S President Donald Trump also issued a statement late Friday, urging the Afghan people "to seize this opportunity for peace and a new future for their country. (Footage by Tolga Ciplak/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
DOHA, QATAR - FEBRUARY 29: Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo attend the signing ceremony of peace agreement between US, Taliban, in Doha, Qatar on February 29, 2020. US to reduce number of troops in Afghanistan to 8,600, to implement other commitments in US-Taliban agreement within 135 days. The stage is set in Qatar's capital for a landmark peace deal between the U.S. and the Taliban that could end the U.S.' longest war. The Sheraton Hotel in Doha is teeming with foreign diplomats and dignitaries invited to witness the historic signing by U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Taliban co-founder and deputy chief Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar on Saturday. The ceremony is scheduled for 2 p.m. local time (1100GMT). The landmark peace deal was preceded by an agreement for week-long reduction in violence that ended on Friday. The U.S.-Taliban deal includes pledges from Washington on a phased withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan, and a vow from the Taliban not to harbor international terrorists. The U.S. currently has upwards of 12,000 troops in Afghanistan conducting operations in support of Afghan forces, as well as a broader anti-terror mission. The Taliban will also commit to negotiations with Afghan officials, politicians, and civil society representatives. The Afghan government formed an initial direct contact group to start talks with the Taliban, Javaid Faisal, spokesman for the National Security Council, told Anadolu Agency. U.S. Defence Secretary Mark Esper and NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg are expected to issue a joint declaration on Saturday to reiterate support for the Afghan government. U.S President Donald Trump also issued a statement late Friday, urging the Afghan people "to seize this opportunity for peace and a new future for their country. (Footage by Tolga Ciplak/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
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Restrictions:
NO SALES IN AZERBAIJAN, TURKEY, MIDDLE EAST AND THE BALKANS.
Editorial #:
1209500136
Collection:
Anadolu
Date created:
February 29, 2020
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Rights-ready
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Clip length:
00:03:15:02
Location:
Doha, Qatar
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QuickTime 8-bit H.264 HD 1920x1080 25p
Source:
Anadolu Agency Video
Object name:
aa_afghanistanstagesetforlandmarkustalibandeal.mov