US envoy ‘disappointed’ as Inter-Afghan peace talks collapse

The U.S. envoy for peace in Afghanistan expressed disappointment on Friday after the collapse of a planned meeting between the Taliban and a group of Afghan politicians in Qatar that exposed some of the deep divisions hampering efforts to end the war.

The talks, which had been scheduled for April 19, were considered a significant first step toward finding a negotiated end to the war in Afghanistan and the eventual withdrawal of U.S. troops.

A 250-strong delegation of Afghan politicians and civil society figures had been due to meet Taliban officials in Doha at the weekend. The event was abruptly canceled on Thursday amid arguments over the size and status of the group, which included some government officials attending in a personal capacity.

But a statement released April 18 by the Afghan government blamed the Qatari government for the disruption.

The head of the organization hosting the talks in Doha, however, said the dispute stemmed from a disagreement over the size and composition of the respective delegations.

The Taliban criticized the lengthy list, saying that they would not meet with so many people.

The Taliban also insisted they would not be negotiating with Kabul at the conference.

The list was also criticized by some powerful opposition figures, including the powerful former warlord, Atta Mohammad Noor, who said it was not inclusive.

The U.S. Special Representative to Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad said he was disappointed by the delay.

"We're in touch with all parties and encouraged that everyone remains committed to dialogue," the envoy said in a post to Twitter. "I urge all sides to seize the moment and put things back on track by agreeing to a participant list that speaks for all Afghans."

The United States has been holding separate bilateral peace negotiations with the Taliban in Doha as part of a months-long peace push.

In Afghanistan, meanwhile, the Taliban have launched their so-called spring offensive, unleashing violence in many parts of the country.

The militants now control or influence about half the country and last year was the deadliest yet for civilians.