U.S., Taliban close to deal as fighting intensifies

U.S. envoy for peace in Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad speaks during a debate at Tolo TV channel in Kabul, Afghanistan. [Reuters]

U.S. and Taliban negotiators are close to a deal to reduce fighting and allow full peace talks among Afghans, a top U.S. official said on Sunday, as insurgent forces attacked a second northern city.

Zalmay Khalilzad, the Afghan-born U.S. diplomat overseeing negotiations for Washington, said he would travel to the Afghan capital of Kabul on Sunday for consultations after wrapping up the ninth round of talks with Taliban officials in Qatar.