KABUL (Ruptly) — Afghanistani President Ashraf Ghani opened the Grand Council of tribal elders and political leaders to discuss developments in peace talks with the Taliban in Kabul on Monday. The Taliban have refused to directly talk to Kabul representatives thus far.

Also known as Loya Jirga, the Council is a traditional meeting aimed at bringing various ethnic groups, tribes and factions to a consensus regarding different Afghan issues.