ISLAMABAD: Afghan Taliban Monday said their negotiators reiterated demand for end to ‘foreign invasion’ in talks with the US officials in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The talks, which are likely to continue for a couple of days, were also attended by representatives from Pakistan, UAE and Saudi Arabia. Several Afghan officials including National Security Adviser Hamdullah Mohib were also in the UAE. However, the Taliban said no talks will be held with Kabul administration during the UAE meeting. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid denied claims by some Afghan media outlets that the Afghan government representatives will also hold talks with the Taliban in UAE. He rejected the reports as unfounded and propaganda, adding that there is no plan of holding a meeting with representatives of the Kabul administration and neither are they present in the meeting being attended by the delegation of the Taliban. US special peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad reportedly led the US side in the talks. Khalilzad has previously held two rounds of talks with the Taliban in Qatar in October and November. The spokesman did not reply when asked about the composition of the Taliban delegation. Taliban sources, however, said their leadership had nominated at least two senior leaders to accompany the political representatives in the talks as the process has entered the next level. Pakistan has reportedly played a facilitation role in the UAE meeting, which took place nearly two weeks after President Donald Trump addressed a letter to Prime Minister Imran Khan and sought Islamabad’s support in advancing the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan. In Kabul, spokesman for the High Peace Council Ehsan Tahiri told BBC Pashto that the UAE meeting is discussing options how to start and make progress in the peace negotiations. “This is the first practical step by Pakistan,” Tahiri was quoted as saying. Foreign Office spokesman Dr Faisal hoped the UAE talks will end bloodshed in Afghanistan and bring peace to the region. “Along with international community and other stakeholders, Pakistan is committed to peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan,” he posted on his Twitter handle. Pakistan’s efforts have paved way for the presence of Taliban as well as Afghan government officials in the UAE at the same time. It is believed that Imran Khan has convinced Americans of his sincerity to help in the Afghan peace. Officials believe Pakistan has delivered as per international expectations and now it is time for the world to deliver as per their shared responsibility. They insist that part of the US and international community’s responsibility is to understand and respond to Pakistan’s genuine and serious concerns and stakes in Afghanistan. Published in Daily Times, December 18th2018.