US, Taleban say they will sign agreement on Feb 29 after week-long violence reduction

KABUL/WASHINGTON/PESHAWAR (REUTERS) - The United States and the Taleban will sign an agreement on Feb 29 at the end of a week-long period of violence reduction in Afghanistan, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and the Taleban said on Friday (Feb 21).

Afghan, international and Taleban forces will observe the reduced violence period beginning at midnight (3.30am Saturday, Singapore time), an Afghan official and Taleban leaders said earlier.

"Following lengthy negotiations between the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and the United States of America, both parties agreed to sign the finalised accord in the presence of international observers," a Taleban spokesman said in a statement.

Both sides would also make arrangements for the release of prisoners, spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said.

Separately, Mr Pompeo said in a statement that the United States and the Taleban have been engaged in talks to facilitate a political settlement in Afghanistan and to reduce the US presence in the region.

The agreement will be signed upon the successful implementation of an understanding with the Taleban on a significant and nationwide reduction in violence (RIV), Mr Pompeo added.

The agreement could represent a chance for peace in the country after years of war and a US troop presence that dates back to 2001.

US and Taleban negotiators have been meeting in Doha since 2018 even though fighting has raged in Afghanistan and thousands of civilians and combatants have been killed as the insurgents have expanded their territorial control.

"Based on the plan, the reduction in violence (RIV) will start between the Taleban and international and Afghan security forces for one week," Mr Javid Faisal, spokesman for the Afghan National Security Adviser, told Reuters.

"We hope it is extended for a longer time and opens the way for a ceasefire and intra-Afghan talks," he added.

Three senior Taleban leaders - two in Doha and one in Afghanistan - also confirmed to Reuters that they had agreed on a reduction of violence in Afghanistan for seven days from Friday night. All three spoke on condition of anonymity.

One Taleban leader based in Doha told Reuters that the period could not be called a "ceasefire". "Every party has the right of self-defence but there would no attacks on each other's positions in these seven days," the Taleban leader said.

"It is to create a security environment in Afghanistan and can be extended if things go well after signing of a peace accord with the US," he added.

Officials privy to the talks had said last week that an agreement with the Taleban would be followed by negotiations on an intra-Afghan political settlement between the Taleban and an Afghan delegation that would include government officials.

The Taleban have previously refused to speak directly to the Kabul government, which they denounce as a US puppet.

Afghan forces will keep up normal military operations against other groups such as the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, during the RIV period, Afghan spokesman Mr Faisal said.

He added that Afghan forces will also retaliate against the smallest violation of the understanding by the Taleban.

"Local government and security officials have been instructed by the president himself on how to follow the regulations agreed upon for the RIV period," he said.