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Khalilzad in Doha discusses commencement of intra-Afghan talks with Taliban
The US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad and Commander of US forces in Afghanistan General Scott Miller met with the deputy leader for the Taliban Mullah Ghani Baradar in Doha, the capital of Qatar.
Suhail Shaheen, the political spokesman for the Taliban tweeted that the two sides discussed the kick start of the long-waited intra-Afghan dialogue.
“Both sides talked about speedy release of the prisoners and commencement of intra-Afghan negotiations,” Shaheen said.
A Pakistani news agency – Arab News – cited a Taliban official reported that Taliban leadership, known as Rehbari Shoura, has approved the commencement of the intra-Afghan talks.
Majority of the council members, who met during the month of Ramadan, opined that if parts of the peace agreement with the United States, particularly the release of Taliban prisoners, were implemented then there was no harm in starting the dialogue, a Taliban official familiar with the process has told the Arab News.
“Another meeting of the Shoura will decide the agenda for the intra-Afghan dialogue which is expected to be held soon,” the official said on a condition of anonymity.
It comes as Khalilzad met with Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa Sunday and discussed steps required for the start of intra-Afghan negotiations.
“The two took note of recent progress created by the Eid ceasefire and accelerated prisoner releases as well as reduced violence ahead of intra-Afghan negotiations,” US Embassy in Islamabad said in a statement.
According to the statement, the two sides agreed that peace in Afghanistan offers an unprecedented opportunity to advance security, connectivity, and development for the region.
Meanwhile, Khalilzad is expected to visit Kabul to review the implementation of all commitments in the US-Taliban agreement and with all parties as well as the US-Afghanistan JointDeclaration, “specifically reduced violence and prisoner releases.”
“The primary the focus of Ambassador Khalilzad’s trip is to obtain agreement between the Afghan parties on the practical next steps necessary for a smooth start to intra-Afghan negotiations,” the US Department of State said.
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IEA condemns approval of death penalty law for Palestinian prisoners by Israeli parliament
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has strongly condemned the decision of the Israeli Parliament, which paves the way for issuing death sentences against Palestinian prisoners.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate said: “This action is a continuation of repeated injustices, a clear violation of the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people, and contrary to the principles of justice and human rights. It discriminately targets an oppressed nation.”
The Islamic Emirate has called on international organizations to take necessary and urgent measures to prevent such actions.
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19 Afghan migrants killed as boat capsizes off Turkish coast
At least 19 Afghan migrants, including a baby, have died after a speedboat capsized in the Aegean Sea off the coast of Bodrum, Turkish authorities said on Wednesday.
According to the Turkish Coast Guard Command, the vessel was carrying dozens of migrants when it ignored repeated orders to stop and attempted to flee at high speed despite rough sea conditions. The boat later began taking on water before overturning.
Rescue operations were launched immediately, with teams supported by a helicopter from Izmir. Authorities said 20 migrants were rescued from the water, while 18 bodies were initially recovered at the scene. One more person later died in hospital, bringing the death toll to 19.
Search efforts are ongoing for at least one individual still reported missing.
Officials confirmed that all those on board were Afghan nationals. Idris Akbiyik, governor of Muğla province, said the victims included a baby.
Dangerous migration route
The incident occurred along one of the most frequently used—and perilous—migration routes into Europe. The nearby Greek island of Kos lies just about 20 kilometres from Bodrum, making it a common destination for migrants attempting to reach the European Union.
Other islands in close proximity include Kalymnos, Leros and Symi, all part of a corridor frequently used by people fleeing conflict, instability and economic hardship across the Middle East, Asia and Africa.
Turkey remains a major transit point for migrants seeking entry into Europe, with many attempting the short but dangerous sea crossing in overcrowded or unseaworthy boats. Despite increased patrols and enforcement efforts, such journeys often take place in poor weather or under risky conditions, frequently resulting in fatal accidents.
The latest tragedy highlights the ongoing risks faced by migrants on this route, as well as the continued pressure on coastal authorities managing search and rescue operations in the region.
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Baradar approves 17 projects worth over one billion AFN
In a regular meeting of the National Procurement Commission chaired by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, 17 projects worth more than one billion AFN were approved.
According to a statement from the deputy PM’s office, a total of 42 projects were presented for approval during the meeting. After discussion, 17 projects valued at over one billion AFN were approved, while modifications were made to 14 other projects.
The approved and amended projects include the construction of a dormitory building at Panjshir University; the construction of a medical faculty building at Badakhshan University; the completion of the first and second phases of the Kunar–Nuristan Road; the construction of general hospitals in Giro district of Ghazni province, Bandar district of Faryab province, and Spin Ghar district of Nangarhar province; as well as electricity supply and distribution projects across various provinces.
These projects are funded by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.
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