Mike Pompeo meets Taliban, Afghan negotiators in Doha

The peace negotiation between Taliban and Afghan government is inching towards conclusion as US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met the representatives of both sides in Doha. However, the war-torn country witnessed uptick in violence in recent weeks. The US government has announced that it would reduce the number of American troops in Afghanistan and Iraq to 2,500 each by January 15 next year. Currently, the US has deployed a little over 4,500 troops in Afghanistan. "Met with both Taliban and Islamic Republic of Afghanistan's negotiating teams in Doha. I commend both sides for continuing to negotiate and for the progress they have made. I encourage expedited discussions on a political roadmap and a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire," Pompeo said in tweet. US State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Cale Brown said that Pompeo met with Taliban Political Deputy and Head of the Political Office Mullah Beradar and members of the Taliban negotiating team. Pompeo appreciated the both sides for their efforts to maintain peace in the country. "Pompeo and the negotiators discussed ways to reduce violence, and he encouraged expedited discussions on a political roadmap and a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire," Brown said.