US and Taliban to sign an agreement on 29 February

The agreement is expected to be signed on 29 February.

The US and Taliban are to sign an agreement on 29 February that will lead to the withdrawal of thousands of US troops and the start of comprehensive peace talks between the Afghan government and the insurgents.

US secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, said that the agreement would be signed once there has been a week-long "nationwide reduction in violence". The week begins today according to an understanding reached by US and Taliban negotiators meeting in Doha.

Pompeo said: "Upon a successful implementation of this understanding, signing of the US-Taliban agreement is expected to move forward. We are preparing for the signing to take place on 29 February."

Pompeo added: "Intra-Afghan negotiations will start soon thereafter, and will build on this fundamental step to deliver a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire and the future political roadmap for Afghanistan."

The Taliban issued their own statement on the deal, saying both sides would make arrangements for the release of prisoners, and "finally lay the groundwork for peace across the country with the withdrawal of all foreign forces."