Afghan government to start peace talks with Taliban

Negotiations to end the long civil war were agreed as part of a withdrawal deal signed by the US

The Afghan government and the Taliban will open peace talks on Saturday, trying to reach a power-sharing deal as American troops leave the country after nearly two decades.

The negotiations to try to end the long civil war were agreed as part of a withdrawal deal that the US signed with the Taliban in February, but have stalled for months over details of a promised prisoner exchange.