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Pompeo urges key Afghan gathering to free Taliban prisoners
WASHINGTON, Aug 7, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged prominent Afghans holding a major meeting Friday to free Taliban prisoners, promising help if the war-torn nation moves forward on peace efforts.
“We acknowledge that the release of these prisoners is unpopular,” Pompeo said in a statement.
“But this difficult action will lead to an important result long sought by Afghans and Afghanistan’s friends: reduction of violence and direct talks resulting in a peace agreement and an end to the war.”
BSS/AFP/MMA/0950HRS