KABUL - The government has finalized a plan for opening a Taliban liaison office in Qatar, spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Sunday, adding that talks with the government of Qatar over opening the office will begin soon.

"The plan for opening an office for the Taliban in Qatar has been finalized, and soon talks regarding the matter will start with the government of Qatar," said Janan Moosazai, spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The spokesman also stated that opening the Taliban office is aimed at facilitating the group to enter into negotiations.

"By opening the office for the Taliban, the [Afghan] government will be able to contact official Taliban representatives directly," he added.

Moosazai urged that, although the government endeavors to hold talks with the Taliban inside Afghanistan and will guarantee the the safety of their representatives, there is a need for opening a Taliban office in another country. (Tolo News)