Taleban peace talks to be held Thursday, US official says

WASHINGTON (REUTERS) - Afghanistan peace talks between representatives of the United States and the Taleban will take place on Thursday in Doha, a senior US official said on Tuesday.

Earlier Tuesday, US officials told reporters that the US will insist the Taleban break ties with Al-Qaeda, end violence, and accept the Afghan constitution, including protection for women and minorities.

The first US-Taleban meeting is expected to be an exchange of agenda, followed by another meeting a week or two later to discuss next steps, the US officials said.

The planned talks follow discussions between President Barack Obama and Afghan President Hamid Karzai in January, officials added.

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