International support for Afghanistan peace talks

Afghanistan’s warring sides on Saturday started negotiations for the first time aimed at ending decades of war.

The talks in Qatar brought together the Taliban and delegates appointed by the Afghan government.

The opening ceremony was attended by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and other world leaders joined in via video conference.

The discussions are important in the search for lasting peace that will also provide an exit for US and NATO troops after nearly 19 years.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg acknowledged many challenges remained, but said peace "is now within grasp".

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu stressed the need for a humanitarian ceasefire, saying "fighting and talking cannot go together".