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China, Afghanistan, Pakistan Seek 'Orderly' Foreign Troop Exit

Ayaz Gul

   ISLAMABAD - China, Afghanistan and Pakistan are calling for a
   "responsible" withdrawal of U.S.-led international forces from
   Afghanistan to prevent what they say is "potential terrorist
   resurgence" in the conflict-torn nation.

   Top Chinese, Afghan and Pakistani foreign ministry officials issued the
   statement Tuesdayat the end of the latest round of trilateral
   "strategic dialogue" the neighboring countries held via video link.

   "The three sides urged for an orderly, responsible and condition-based
   withdraw of the foreign troops from Afghanistan to avoid potential
   terrorist resurgence," said a joint post-meeting statement.

   The discussions came as the United States pressesthe Afghan government
   and the Taliban insurgency to quickly conclude a contentious prisoner
   swap to allow the start of the long-awaited negotiations between Afghan
   parties to the deadly conflict.

   An eventual peace deal would enable U.S. and allied forces to withdraw
   from the country by July 2021 under a February29 landmark agreement
   between Washington and the Taliban to end nearly two decades of Afghan
   war, America's longest.'¯

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