Germany's FM urges new peace talks during Afghan visit

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, on an unannounced visit to Afghanistan, has urged the government to continue peace talks with the rebel Taliban, Deutsche Welle reported.

Speaking after his arrival on Sunday in the Afghan capital, Kabul, Steinmeier said his trip came during a "difficult transitional phase" in the country, with the security situation remaining tense, amid a number of attacks since April.

But he called on Afghan President Ashraf Ghani to push on with faltering peace talks with radical Islamist Taliban rebels, describing the launch of the negotiations as "courageous."

A first round of talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban took place in July in the Pakistani city of Murree, but a second round planned for July was canceled owing to a power struggle within the rebel group after the death of its former leader of many years, Mullah Omar.

Steinmeier said that the peace process in Afghanistan and better ties with neighboring Pakistan were necessary "so that the people in Afghanistan are given hope for a better life after many years of suffering."

The foreign minister also promised Afghanistan Germany's continued support, even after the withdrawal of German combat troops nine months ago. Some 800 German Bundeswehr soldiers still form part of a follow-up mission that has remained in the country to help advise and train the local security forces.

Source: MENA