Representatives from the Afghan government, the Taliban and a number of other armed groups have gathered in the Maldives for talks aimed at reaching political reconciliation in Afghanistan.

The delegates all say they are not officially representing anyone, but that their leaders are aware of their attendance at the talks.

But with discussions ranging from the need for fresh elections to the future of foreign troops in the country, some say there is little optimism about the outcome of the talks.

Al Jazeera's Dan Nolan has this exclusive report.