Taliban delegation to Moscow says first priority is to end 'occupation' by foreign militaries for lasting Afghan peace
Taliban is"really committed to peace, but think the obstacle for peace should be removed first," Taliban co-founder and political leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar says in a rare televised appearance at the start of the two-day meeting in Moscow.
Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Taliban group's top political leader, left, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, the Taliban's chief negotiator, second left, and other members of the Taliban delegation speak to reporters prior to their talks in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, May 28, 2019. Senior Taliban officials including the group's top political advisor met with Afghan political figures in Moscow on Tuesday, saying they were committed to peace in Afghanistan – even as US-led talks appear to have stalled.
In a message the Taliban have not altered since talks with the US started last autumn Taliban co-founder and political leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar said the insurgents want an end to 18 years of conflict – but would only sign a deal after foreign forces quit Afghanistan. The Taliban is "really committed to peace, but think the obstacle for peace should be removed first," Baradar said in a rare televised appearance at the start of the two-day meeting marking 100 years of diplomatic ties between Russia and Afghanistan.Baradar – who helped Mullah Omar found the Taliban – was appointed its political chief in January following his release from a Pakistan prison.
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