KABUL (SW) – The top US peace envoy has called for swiftly commencing the proposed Afghan-owned and Afghan-led negotiations.
Zalmay Khalilzad, U.S. special representative for Afghanistan reconciliation, said this in a series of tweets in connection with the Independence Day celebrations. “Today marks 101 years since Afghanistan re-claimed its independence. It is a day in which Afghans take pride and one that is rightly remembered and celebrated”, he said.
Khalilzad added that this year's celebration takes place as efforts to end the 40 year plus war are, despite serious challenges, at a hopeful stage. “Afghans yearn for peace and soon Afghan-owned and Afghan-led negotiations should start, a historic and vital step”, he said.
The top US peace broker said Afghan leaders from all sides will have to rise to the occasion, put their country first, learn from past mistakes and reach a political agreement.
“That is the road to ending the war and a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire. The US joins Afghans in celebrating their independence and will stand with them in the their struggle to forge a sustainable peace. We wish Afghanistan independence and peace”, tweeted Khalilzad.
Earlier this week, The President’s office said that despite the near complete release of Taliban prisoners by the government, the insurgents have not released a number of security forces prisoners.
Sediq Seddiqi, the presidential spokesman, called on the Taliban to release the captives of the security forces.
This comes as the Taliban claim to have released up to a thousand security forces, under the Doha peace agreement.
ENDS
