KABUL - State Department Spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said on Tuesday that Taliban political office in Qatar could play a positive role in ending the war in Afghanistan.
She said that Washington has received no formal notification of Taliban plans to open an office in Doha, but we are willing to support the move if it is part of Afghan-led reconciliation.

"This process will only be successful if those Taliban are prepared to renounce violence, break ties with al-Qaeda, support the Afghan constitution in all of its elements - including human rights for all citizens in particular for women," she said.

Her comments come as on Tuesday a statement released by the Taliban asked release of their prisoners from Guantanamo Bay and agreed to have an office in Qatar.
This is the first time that the Taliban have shown positive reaction to Afghan and international calls.

"Including our vast presence inside the country, we agree to have an office to negotiate with international community," the statement added. "So, we have reached preliminary agreements with Qatar and other countries. We also want to exchange our prisoners."

US and Germany have had secret talks with the Taliban for ten months, according to reports.