KABUL: US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad said that the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) issued a statement on Afghanistan peace negotiations that underscores the international commitment to Afghanistan's "sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity."

In a tweet, Khalilzad said that the statement "supports the path the parties are currently on, which is to find a political settlement that accommodates all Afghans, one the region and international community can endorse in spirit and in action."

He further added: "This is a unique moment for Afghanistan. Not only are Afghan parties negotiating directly, but as indicated by the UNSC statement, there is broad international support for a negotiated political settlement and peace in Afghanistan. "This unique opportunity must be seized," he added.

The UNSC, in a statement, welcomed the start of the Afghanistan peace negotiations in Doha, Qatar. The members of the UNSC also recognized that "a sustainable peace can be achieved only through a comprehensive and inclusive Afghan-led, Afghan-owned peace process that aims at a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire, as well as an inclusive political settlement to end the conflict in Afghanistan."

Meanwhile, The opening ceremony of the intra-Afghan talks was held in Doha a week ago. So far, the negotiating teams have held three official meetings, and five advance meetings by "contact groups" to discuss the agenda and the rules and regulations of the talks. NNI