What could become the next potential point of contention in the intra-Afghan negotiations in Doha, the Republic (Afghan government) team has decided to first discuss the “legitimacy of war” with the Taliban before any other discussion in the second phase of talks.

“The negotiating team has decided that the legitimacy of the war must be discussed with the Taliban before any progress can be made,” Abdul Hafeez Mansoor, a member of the government negotiation team, was quoted as saying by TOLOnews.

The talks will not have any outcome until the issue is clarified, Mansoor added.

The latest move by the Afghan government seems a counter to the Taliban’s demand asking to discuss the cause of the war before committing themselves to a ceasefire.

The second round of the intra-Afghan talks started on 5 January but the working groups from both sides failed to conduct any meeting in the last six days. On the other hand, violence in the country saw no sign of reduction.

Earlier, just before the start of the second phase of talks, the government made it clear that the ceasefire would be the top agenda for them. Conversely, the Taliban asked for clarity on the future Islamic political structure of the nation. 

Delay in the meeting of working groups in Doha was earlier criticized by chief Afghan negotiator Dr. Abdullah.