Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai’s office said Sunday that there is “serious debate” among some Taliban fighters about laying down arms, while a spokesman for the militants said they will “never” negotiate with Afghan authorities until foreign troops leave.

But Taliban spokesman Qari Yousef Ahmadi repeated a position he announced earlier this month, saying there would be no negotiations until US and NATO troops withdraw from Afghanistan.

“The Taliban will never negotiate with the Afghan government in the presence of foreign forces,” Ahmadi said. “Even if Karzai gives up presidency, it’s not possible that Mullah Omar would agree to talks.”