US, Taliban agree in principle to framework of peace deal: Report

In a possible breakthrough, the US and the Taliban have agreed in principle to the framework of a peace deal that moves both parties toward ending the 17-year war in Afghanistan, a media report said Monday.

The draft outlines a commitment from the Taliban that Afghan soil will not be used by terrorists, and the US begin a troop withdrawal in return for a cease-fire and talks, the New York Times reported, quoting Special US Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad.

"We have a draft of the framework that has to be fleshed out before it becomes an agreement," Khalilzad was quoted as saying by the paper.

"The Taliban have committed, to our satisfaction, to do what is necessary that would prevent Afghanistan from ever becoming a platform for international terrorist groups or individuals."
Afghanistan-born Khalilzad added: "We felt enough confidence that we said we need to get this fleshed out, and details need to be worked out."
"We want peace quickly, we want it soon, but we want it with prudence," Ghani said. "Prudence is important so we do not repeat past mistakes."