The top U.S. general in Afghanistan on Monday denied reports that American forces are ready to negotiate directly with the Taliban to end the war.

Gen. John “Mick” Nicholson said a comment he made during a visit with Afghan officials had been mischaracterized and that he instead backs a peace process led by the U.S.-aligned government in Kabul. The news service Reuters had quoted him directly in a story Monday as supporting direct talks with the Taliban.