Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid on Monday rejected media reports saying the ruling council of the group had agreed to a temporary ceasefire that would eventually open the way for signing a peace deal between the group and the United States. 
  
Mujahid said in a statement that discussions are still underway about a reduction of violence and lessened operations. 
  
The news report about the group’s alleged agreement on a temporary ceasefire was first published by the Associated Press on Sunday, which quoted a source saying an agreement had been reached by all except for the top leader, who was "expected" to approve the ceasefire. 
  
But a more recent Taliban statement said: 

"The reality of the situation is that the Islamic Emirate has no intention of declaring a ceasefire. The United States has asked for a reduction in the scale and intensity of violence and discussions being held by the Islamic Emirate are revolving solely around this specific issue." 
  
Sources familiar with the talks said that the Taliban council has agreed on a reduction of violence that will be limited to cities. 
  
“All members of the Taliban’s ruling council, and a majority of their leaders, have agreed to a one-week ceasefire or reduction of violence that will be limited to cities,” said Sami Yusufzai, a journalist in Qatar. 
  
He said the Taliban is calling it a reduction of violence instead of a ceasefire and that “it will be a big test for the Taliban.” 
  
“We hope that Zalmay Khalilzad will return from the US to Qatar and make the final decision and sign the agreement about a withdrawal of foreign forces and a ceasefire,” said Shakoor Mutmaen, a former Taliban member. 
  
But the Afghan government said a ceasefire will be one of the main pre-conditions of negotiations with the Taliban. 
  
“The Afghan government expects that the US-Taliban talks will cause a result soon,” said presidential spokesman Durrani Jawed Waziri. “The government of Afghanistan has made preparations and formed an effective, concise and capable team for talks with the Taliban and for ensuring a ceasefire.”