The Extended Troika On Peaceful Settlement in Afghanistan comprising the US, Russia, China and Pakistan has called upon the Afghan parties to progress towards an inclusive political settlement and a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire.

The call was made in a joint statement issued by the extended Troika after talks in a meeting in Doha.

It reiterated the call on all the parties to the Afghan conflict to reduce the level of violence in the country and on the Taliban not to pursue a Spring Offensive.

It said there no military solution in Afghanistan and a negotiated political settlement through an Afghan led and Afghan owned process is the only way towards a lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan.

The meeting supported a review of the status of designations of Taliban individuals and entities on the UN 1988 sanctions.