KABUL: The US and the Taliban had drafted the framework of a deal which could pave the way for peace talks with Kabul, Washington’s main negotiator was quoted as saying Monday, but major hurdles including a ceasefire and a withdrawal of foreign forces remain.

The comments by special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad to the New York Times are the clearest signal yet from a US official that talks between Washington and the militants are progressing, igniting hopes of a breakthrough in the grinding 17-year conflict.

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