Peace negotiator Fawzia Koofi on Monday said the Doha talks have entered a new phase, but she did not offer further details. 

A 21-article set of procedural rules was finalized by both sides in the negotiations, according to sources, but sources said that the Presidential Palace has said it will not agree on the finalization of the procedural rules until the completion of the formation of the High Council for National Reconciliation. 

The Afghan parliament on Monday approved the candidates for six ministries and the chief of the National Directorate of Security (NDS), and voted against the confirmation of the nominees for the Ministry of Women's Affairs and Ministry of Information and Culture. 

In Monday’s session, 244 out of 248 lawmakers were present and the nominees needed 123 votes to be approved.