Chances of a successful outcome from peace talks on ending the 18-year war in Afghanistan is higher than before and could happen in the “near term”, a top US general said on Wednesday.
General Mark Milley, the chairman of US Joint Chiefs of Staff, arrived in Afghanistan on Wednesday, his first visit to the country since taking over the post in September.
“I think the chances of a positive outcome through negotiations is higher than I have seen, and I’ve been deeply involved in Afghanistan for 18 years,” Milley told reporters.
“With a bit of luck, we’ll have successful negotiations in the near term, not too distant future,” Milley said.
He added that work remained to actually see a positive outcome.
“A lot of time in situations like this, two steps forward one step back,” he said.
US and Taliban held a year of talks and were close to a deal before they were halted by US President Donald Trump in September, who cited a the group’s deadly attack in Kabul.
Recently, however, the sides have held meetings with an aim to resume the peace process.
Milley also said that negotiations were “ongoing.”
