Joe Biden close to backing G20 peace talks on Afghanistan, says Italian PM

Some in US administration see risks in seeking support of Russia or China to counter a potential terrorist threat

The Italian prime minister, Mario Draghi, believes he is close to gaining Joe Biden's support to stage a special G20 peace conference on Afghanistan next month that will include key players with close contact with the Taliban, including China, Russia and Turkey.

Draghi, the chair of the G20 group of nations, has been working on the plan for days, holding talks with the Russian president, Vladimir Putin. The Italian prime minister is also expected to hold a call with the Chinese resident, Xi Jinping, this week.