Premature to 'withdraw' US forces from Afghanistan, says top US general

WASHINGTON - The top US general said on Wednesday that it was too early to talk about "withdrawal" of US counter-terrorism forces in Afghanistan as US and Taliban forces appear close to an agreement to end the 18-year war. "I think it's premature. I'm not using the withdraw word right now ," Marine General Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told reporters at the Pentagon. He said any US withdrawal would ultimately be dependent on any outcome from the talks. The Taliban said on Wednesday it was close to an agreement with US officials on a deal that would see US forces withdraw from Afghanistan in exchange for a Taliban promise that the country would not become a haven for international militants. Negotiations over how to end the 18-year war in Afghanistan have been held in Doha, capital of Qatar, since late last year. The ninth round of talks began last week. SOURCE: REUTERS