U.S. General: Talks with Taliban in ‘Very, Very Early’ Stages

Article Rewrite:

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – A senior U.S. general indicated on Tuesday that discussions between the United States and the Taliban are still in their "very, very early" stages. He emphasized the importance of including the Afghan government, which has not yet participated in these talks, in any potential resolutions.

"I would characterize our current position in the process as very, very early," stated U.S. General Joseph Votel, who leads the U.S. military’s Central Command, during a Senate hearing.

He made it clear that the Afghan government must be involved in the negotiations, asserting, "We clearly recognize that they have to be a part of this solution and must be integrated into the negotiation aspects of this process; we can’t do that on their behalf."

Votel also noted that ongoing financial support for Afghan security forces will remain essential, even in the event of a withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan.