US-Taliban Peace deal signed in Doha

US signed peace deal with Afghanistan’s Taliban in Qatari capital, Doha, after several months of negotiations to bring peace in region. Deal was signed by US officials and Taliban representatives in the presence of delegates from more than 50 countries. Country representatives from Pakistan, Qatar, Turkey, India, Indonesia, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and others were present in the ceremony. Final agreement will pave the safer way for the complete withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan. This will end 19-years long war since 2001.

Taliban’s representative said “complete withdrawal of all foreign forces from Afghanistan and never intervening in its affairs in the future is undoubtedly a great achievement”. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called on the Taliban to honor all commitments of deal.

Before this deal, Taliban ordered all its fighters to halt fighting and “refrain from attacks”. US and Afghanistan declared this peace deal as “a step forward” and start of new era for development and prosperity of Afghans.

Key Points of Deal

• US and NATO troops would withdraw from Afghanistan within 14 months.
• The United States will reduce the number of US military forces in Afghanistan to 8,600 within 135 days from today.
• Afghan government will engage with the United Nations Security Council to remove Taliban members from sanctions list by May 29.
• Afghanistan government will release around 5,000 Taliban members from prison.

The two sides have finally signed a deal after more than 0.1 million death of Afghans since 2009