Pakistan, April 13 -- The Taliban on Monday announced that they will not be able to attend the upcoming meeting in Istanbul, Turkey on Afghan peace process, if it starts on April 16.

Turkey is set to host a conference on Afghan peace process in Istanbul on the request of the United States under the supervision of the United Nations.

But, no date has officially been announced for the meeting, however, sources say that Turkey had proposed April 16 for the start of the meeting that will continue until April 26.

Taliban spokesman Mohammad Naeem speaking to a media outlet, said that "We cannot participate on April 16th in the Istanbul conference. The subject is under discussion. We will announce our position in due time after consultations....