In Afghanistan, Taliban have expressed their readiness to hold peace talks with Afghan government within a week after the prisoners' release is completed.

The assurance was given by Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen while talking to a foreign news agency today (Monday).

He said the first round of talks will be held in Doha, Qatar.

Thousands of prominent Afghans agreed yesterday to the release of about 400 Taliban prisoners accused of serious offences, overcoming a key hurdle in starting the negotiations.