Peace process under attack in Afghanistan

The peace process under attack in Afghanistan.

On Sunday, gunmen killed the top Afghan peace negotiator Maulvi Rahmani -- dealing a setback to efforts to negotiate a peace deal with the Taliban.

The government condemned the attack

SOUNDBITE) (Dari) SPOKESMAN TO THE PRESIDENT OF AFGHANISTAN AIMAL FAIZI SAYING:

"The assassination of Maulvi Rahmani was shocking news for the people and the government of Afghanistan. The President of the Islamic Republic was informed and the government strongly condemns this act. This terrorist act is the work of the enemies of Afghanistan, those who are against peace and stability. Behind this act stands the desire not to establish peace in Afghanistan."

The Taliban denied involvement in the killing and said quote "others" were responsible.

A Taliban official told Reuters the death would not impact the peace process because so far it has achieved very little.

Fear is now mounting amongst Afghans and foreign governments

alike that the planned pullout of NATO combat troops by the end

of 2014 could see the country engulfed in more conflict and bloodshed.

Deborah Lutterbeck, Reuters