U.S. Should Have Gradual, Responsible Withdrawal from Afghanistan: Russian Embassy

The Russian Embassy in Kabul says Moscow is not sure that the upcoming U.S.-Taliban meeting in Qatar would finalize a timeline for withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan.

The U.S. special envoy for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad and the Taliban delegation is expected to hold another of round talks in the Qatari capital Doha, on February 25 and possibly discuss on a mechanism for withdrawal of American forces from Afghanistan.

Speaking to Ariana News on Friday, the Russian deputy ambassador to Afghanistan Albert Khorev said that he is not sure that the Doha meeting would finalize a mechanism for U.S. pullout from Afghanistan.

“I am not sure, because the talks between the United States and the Taliban are going slowly and its main and major outcomes yet to be revealed,” Khorev said.

However, the Russian diplomat said that the United States should gradually and responsibly withdraw from Afghanistan.

The U.S. officials have said President Donald Trump wants to bring home about half of the 14,000 American troops from Afghanistan.

The Afghan government which sent a letter President Donald Trump last month and offered him reduced costs for keeping U.S. troops in Afghanistan assured that the United States won’t withdraw abruptly and without any consent with Kabul.

Nasir Ahmad Andesha, the Deputy Foreign Minister said that a legal framework entitled Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) in place between the United States and Afghanistan and that any decision would be taken in coordination with the Afghan government.