The United States and Taliban teams in Doha negotiating an initial deal to end the war in Afghanistan seem to have agreed on the main agenda items and are now finalizing the details of implementing them.

"We have made excellent progress," tweeted Zalmay Khalilzad, the U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation.

He added that his team was now discussing with the Taliban the "technical details as well as steps and mechanisms required for a successful implementation."

Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen agreed that they had made headway but was vague on details.

"We affirm that there is progress in talks, but discussions continue to finalize everything," he told VOA.

Khalilzad left Doha for New Delhi Monday night for what he said was a pre-scheduled meeting in support of the Afghan peace process. But part of his team stayed behind to continue the discussions with the Taliban.

The four-part agenda included an agreement on the U.S. withdrawing its troops from Afghanistan in return for the Taliban ensuring Afghanistan does not become a haven of terrorist groups; negotiations with other Afghans, including the government in Kabul on the future form of governance; and the announcement of a comprehensive, nationwide cease-fire.

How these items are timed and linked to each other is likely the focus of negotiation. Some of the remaining differences are evident from the tweets from the two sides.

Khalilzad insisted the U.S. troop withdrawal will be "conditions-based," whereas the Taliban negotiation team spokesman Shaheen said it will be "based on a timetable."

Source : VOA