The US and the Taliban are set to begin their seventh round of peace talks on Saturday.
Negotiators from both sides will discuss ways to end the war in Afghanistan.
One US official called the talks a “make-or-break moment” to halt more than 18 years of fighting.
The discussions will be led by Zalmay Khalilzad, who is the US peace envoy for Afghanistan.
He has held six rounds of talks with the Taliban since October.
Afghanistan is preparing to hold presidential elections on September 28.
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Britain names Jonathan Powell as national security adviser
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Indonesian volcano spews ash 10 km high
Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki erupted several times on Friday, belching volcanic ash that rose up to 10 km (32,800 ft) into the sky, officials said, following a big eruption on Sunday night that killed nine people.
Israeli PM directs two rescue planes to Amsterdam
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed two rescue planes to Amsterdam after being informed of "a very violent incident" targeting Israeli citizens, his office said on Friday.
Pakistan bans entry to parks, zoos as air pollution worsens
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