What was agreed in Taliban-Afghan politicians’ talks in Moscow?

Afghan politicians and Taliban representatives held two days of peace talks in Moscow, following which they issued a joint nine-point declaration which included agreement on foreign troop's departure the Taliban's commitment to citizens' fundamental rights, Afghan media reported.

The statement comes as President Ashraf Ghani, whose government was absent in the talks, has said that the Afghan politicians who participated in the meeting have no executive authority.

Participants of the meeting agreed that intra-Afghan talks should be continued in an orderly manner. They also agreed on implementation of necessary reforms, keeping and strengthening fundamental and defense institutions and other national institutions which are under the ownership of Afghans.

They agreed that the support of regional countries and major powers is essential for sustainable peace in Afghanistan.

The statement included also emphasis on a strong and inclusive central government, following Islamic principles in government affairs, national unity, social justice and Afghanistan’s impartiality in regional and global disputes.

The participants also called for trust-building measures, including the release of prisoners who are elderly or ill or have little of their term left and the removal of insurgents’ names from sanctions lists.

They also agreed on official opening of Taliban’s political office in Qatar capital Doha, where they expect to hold their next meeting.

The statement said that key issues will be discussed in the next meeting.