WASHINGTON—Representative Eliot L. Engel, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, today released the following statement:

“After many years of fighting, it’s become clear that the only way to bring the war in Afghanistan to an end is through diplomacy and direct negotiations with the Taliban.

“The Taliban has maintained a longstanding interest in talking directly with the Trump Administration. And though it took more than 17 months for the President to name someone with whom the Taliban could negotiate, I welcome the renewed sense of optimism around ending this long running conflict. If the Taliban will commit to preventing Afghanistan from being used by terrorists, we must test this commitment through a more comprehensive negotiation.”

# # #