Tillerson: US supports Afghan peace talks that result in Taliban 'legitimacy'

“Our new strategy breaks from previous approaches that set artificial calendar-based deadlines. We are making clear to the Taliban that they will not win on the battlefield. The Taliban has a path to peace and political legitimacy through a negotiated political settlement to end the war,” Tillerson said in a statement following President Donald Trump’s remarks on the war in Afghanistan on Monday evening.

“We stand ready to support peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban without preconditions,” the secretary of state continued. “We look to the international community, particularly Afghanistan’s neighbors, to join us in supporting an Afghan peace process.”

“Pakistan has suffered greatly from terrorism and can be an important partner in our shared goals of peace and stability in the region,” Tillerson said.

“We look to Pakistan to take a decisive action against militant groups based in Pakistan that are a threat to the region,” he said. “It is vital to US interests that Afghanistan and Pakistan prevent terrorist sanctuaries.”

Tillerson added: “India will be an important partner in the effort to ensure peace and stability in the region, and we welcome its role in supporting Afghanistan’s political and economic modernization.”

Taliban seize control of strategic hub in northern Afghanistan (VIDEO)

On Monday, Tillerson spoke on the phone with Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi to discuss South Asia strategy. Tillerson also spoke with India’s External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Afghan Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani.

During his national address on the Afghanistan war Monday night, Trump said, “Someday, after an effective military effort, perhaps it will be possible to have a political settlement that includes elements of the Taliban in Afghanistan.”

“But nobody knows if or when that will ever happen,” Trump added.