The Taliban says it is hopeful an agreement will be reached with the United States to end the war in Afghanistan when the two sides meet later this year. For nearly a year, Taliban and U.S. representatives have been taking part in peace negotiations. Suhail Shaheen speaks for the Taliban negotiating team. He told VOA the negotiators were close on wording of an agreement about “all major issues.” He added that the issue now rests with the American side. “We hope to reach an agreement on the troops’ withdrawal,” Shaheen said. U.S chief negotiator Zalamay Khalilzad has been in Afghanistan for more than a week. He reported Wednesday that he is going to Qatar for talks with the Taliban.