Qatar says hosting dialogue with Taliban, Afghan officials

Afghan security forces patrol at the Kunduz, Afghanistan April 30, 2015. REUTERS/Omar Sobhani

DOHA, Qatar (Reuters) - Qatar said on Saturday it was hosting a dialogue this weekend between Afghan officials and representatives of the Taliban insurgents on ways to end the country's long war.

Taliban's official spokesman said the insurgents were sending an eight-member delegation to a conference in Doha held by the Pugwash Council, a global organisation that promotes dialogue to resolve conflicts. But he denied any move towards negotiations.