Afghan president offers talks with Taliban ‘without preconditions’

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has offered to hold talks with the Taliban “without preconditions” as part of a plan aimed at ending the more than 16-year-long conflict.

Ghani also said that he will offer recognition of the Taliban as a legitimate political group - the latest in “a series of signals from both the Western-backed government and the Taliban suggesting a greater willingness to consider dialogue”, Reuters reports.

The move marks a notable turnaround by the president, who in the past has referred to the Taliban as “rebels” and “terrorists”.

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Ghani made the offer today at the start of an international conference aimed at creating a platform for peace talks. The so-called Kabul Process meeting is being attended by representatives from more than 20 countries and international organisations.

He also outlined plans for fresh elections and a constitutional review as part of a pact with the Taliban.

“The Taliban are expected to give input to the peacemaking process, the goal of which is to draw the Taliban, as an organisation, to peace talks,” Ghani said, adding that he would not “prejudge” any group seeking peace.

The Taliban issued a statement on Monday night saying it was open to discussion with the US.