Russian, US diplomats discuss Afghan settlement

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW

U.S. special envoy for peace in Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad discussed on Friday the Afghan settlement process with Russian officials.

He met Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov and Presidential Envoy for Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov in Moscow.

According to a statement by the Russian Foreign Ministry, the diplomats examined the current situation in Afghanistan and prospects of building Russian-U.S. interaction to promote direct talks between the fighting Afghan sides.

"During the meetings, the current situation in the IRA [Islamic Republic of Afghanistan] was discussed, as well as the prospects for establishing Russian-American cooperation in the framework of international efforts to facilitate the launch of a direct dialogue between the opposing Afghan parties," the statement said.

Both Moscow and Washington are pushing to reach negotiated peace in Afghanistan.

Zalmay Khalilzad is making its second tour in the last two months. In November, he visited several Arab countries where he met with Taliban representatives.

Before arrival to Moscow he had a series of meetings in Kabul.