The NATO-led Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan, today rejected reports quoted that United States is ready to join direct negotiations with the Taliban.

In a statement, NATO Commandar Nicholson reiterated comments by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on the possibility of talks with the Taliban involving the United States said Washington has no substitute for the Afghan people or their government in Afghanistan.

He said Secretary Pompeo’s statement was misquoted.

Meanwhile, Taliban have termed possibility of talks with the Afghan government, as illegitimate and insisted to talk only with the United States. (Reuters)