Taliban negotiator on need for "durable peace'

A Taliban negotiator reaffirmed the group's commitment to a "durable peace" for Afghanistan through negotiations rather than military force.

Speaking to British broadcaster Sky from Qatar where Taliban leaders have resumed long-delayed peace talks with representatives from the Afghan government, negotiator Suhail Shaheen also said the group had committed to not allowing attacks on the US or its allies from Afghan territory.

The Taliban has made territorial gains, particularly in the north of the country, since the US announced its withdrawal of troops from the country in mid-April.

They now control roughly a third of all 421 districts and district centers in Afghanistan.

But Shaheen insisted a military victory would not bring the group's aim of a long-lasting peace.

He also defended the advances of the Taliban justice system and the group's treatment on women's rights.

Washington has issued repeatedly warned that a military move on the capital Kabul would return the religious movement to pariah status, denying it international recognition and assistance.