US confirms draft deal reached with Taliban on ending Afghan conflict

The United States and Taliban have agreed on a draft framework which could pave the way for peace talks to end almost two decades of war Afghanistan. Hailed as a milestone, the agreement is a result of a week of talks in Qatar [[cutter]] last week. While it could lead to the full withdrawal of US troops from the war-torn country, major sticking points remain, as The United States' longest war could be nearing an end, after US representatives and Afghan Taliban delegates agreed on a framework for a peace deal. Zalmay Khalilzad, the US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, has confirmed that after six days of talks, an in-principle agreement has been reached. It's the clearest signal yet from the US that the talks are progressing, leading to hopes of a breakthrough in the 17-year conflict. Mr Khalilzad says details of the deal still need to be agreed to, but it could lead to a full withdrawal of American troops in return for a ceasefire. Acting US Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan says he's encouraged by the development.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani (c) speaks to US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad (3rd left) in Kabul Source: AAP