Afghan Taliban hints out its readiness in joining Moscow talks

The Afghan Taliban have hinted out their readiness to take part in a meeting that Russia is likely to host next month on peace and reconciliation in war-ravaged Afghanistan.

Russia has extended an invitation to 12 countries for consultations in Moscow on April 14.

Pakistan, China and Russia had initially started the process of informal consultations and expanded it to six-nation talks in mid-February with the participation of Afghanistan, India and Iran.

Invitations would also be sent to the US, some Central Asian states and the EU for next month's meeting.

Taliban officials say it is possible the group may participate in the Moscow meeting, if invited. "Our response would be positive if we get a formal invitation," The Express Tribune quoted two Taliban officials as saying.

Initially, Afghanistan disagreed with Moscow for floating the idea of inviting the Taliban political representatives from the Qatar office.

However, Afghanistan later said that it would welcome Russia's diplomatic efforts for peace and stability in the war-torn country.

The understanding between Kabul and Moscow came during the recent visit of Afghanistan's National Security Adviser Hanif Atmar in Moscow on March 17.