The ninth round of talks between the United States and the Taliban officials is underway in Qatar to firm up a deal enabling the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan.

In an interview with Voice of America on the third conscutive day of talks, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said they are hopeful that negotiations will conclude with the finalization of a peace deal as there is no sticking point left that is not agreeable. He said the mechanism would outline the nature of US troop drawdown, areas where it will begin and the duration needed to complete the process.

Meanwhile, in a tweet, US Special Representative for Afghan Reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad said there has been no discussion about an interim government as governance decisions are for Afghans to make in intra-Afghan negotiations.

NNR/Abid