US envoy confirms 'draft framework' with Taliban: NYT

The US and the Taliban have drafted the framework of a deal which could pave the way for peace talks with Kabul, Washington's main negotiator was quoted as saying Monday, but major hurdles including a ceasefire and a withdrawal of foreign forces remain.The comments by special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad to the New York Times are the clearest signal yet from a US official that talks between Washington and the militants are progressing, igniting hopes of a breakthrough in the grinding 17-year conflict.