The US has welcomed Qatar's decision to remove a controversial nameplate from the Taliban's new office. The diplomatic spat had threatened to derail peace efforts after the Afghan president pulled out of negotiations.

The US deputy ambassador to the United Nations, Rosemary DiCarlo told the Security Council on Thursday that her country was "pleased" at Qatar's decision to remove the controversial nameplate from the Taliban's office in the country and revert to calling the building the "Political Office of the Afghan Taliban."