Taliban: Face-to-Face Talks Underway with Afghan Government Dr. Abdullah mediates
The Taliban have acknowledged that face-to-face talks are under way with the Afghan government for a peaceful transfer of power in Afghanistan.
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Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid also confirmed to the BBC Pashto website that the head of the National Reconciliation High Council, Dr Abdullah Abdullah, was mediating the talks.
He also denied reports that Mullah Baradar, the group's political bureau chief, had arrived in Kabul.
Meanwhile, sources told that Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani was in talks with US Special Envoy for Afghan Peace Zalmai Khalilzad and NATO officials.
Meanwhile, acting Afghan Interior Minister Abdul Satar Mirzakwal said in a short video message on Sunday that there would be no fighting in Kabul and the capital would be handed over peacefully to an interim government.
It is unknown at this time what he will do after leaving the post.
The Taliban also announced on Sunday that it had no intention of forcibly entering the Afghan capital, Kabul, and that efforts were under way to ensure a peaceful transition.
Despite the Taliban's announcement, rumors surfaced on Sunday afternoon that the group's militants had entered Kabul, causing fear among the general public.
Following the rumors, the Afghan president's office said in a brief statement that Afghan and international forces were working together to ensure security in the capital and control the situation.
The Taliban also said in a statement that it had advised its militants to stay at the gates of Kabul and not to try to enter the capital by force.
The announcements come as the Taliban have taken control of almost all key Afghan provinces and moved closer to the outskirts of Kabul.
