Holbrooke describes Baradar's arrest as a 'significant development'

Kabul, Feb.18 (ANI): US President Barack Obama's Special Envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan, Richard Holbrooke, has described the capture of Taliban military commander Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar as a significant development.

Welcoming Baradar's arrest, Holbrooke said Wednesday could deal a heavy blow to the Taliban's eight-year war in Afghanistan.

"There is very little I am going to say here on this subject, but it is a significant development ... I am not going to join any speculation ... but we commend the Pakistanis for their role in this and it is part of the deepening cooperation between us," The Daily Times quoted Holbrooke, as saying.

Te US is monitoring reconciliation talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government, but would not participate unless the insurgents renounce al Qaeda, Holbrooke added. (ANI)