MONITORING (SW) – The landmark political deal between President Mohammed Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah has been widely hailed by the country's neighbors, international partners and the UN.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said in a statement that in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and continued Taliban violence against their fellow Afghans, it is more important than ever that all Afghan leaders unite and work towards enduring peace in Afghanistan. "We call on the Taliban to live up to their commitments, reduce violence now, take part in intra-Afghan negotiations, and make real compromises for lasting peace and the benefit of all Afghans", he said.
He added all parties should seize this unprecedented opportunity for peace. "We need to see a comprehensive agreement which ends violence; safeguards the human rights of all Afghans, including women; upholds the rule of law; and eliminates terrorist safe havens once and for all", he said, adding NATO Allies and partners remain firmly committed to Afghanistan’s long-term security and stability, through our Resolute Support training mission, and with funding.
Hours after President Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah signed the agreement, the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called the two leaders on telephone and congratulated them.
"Secretary Pompeo noted that he regretted the time lost during the political impasse. He reiterated that the priority for the United States remains a political settlement to end the conflict and welcomed the commitment by the two leaders to act immediately in support of prompt entry into intra-Afghan negotiations", the State Department said.
The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan acknowledged that both sides, Ghani and Abdullah, had to make compromises to reach this important agreement. It hoped that the spirit of cooperation will continue, with all elements in government working together to strengthen progress in good governance, the rule of law, and anti-corruption, and to protect the rights of all citizens while continuing the advancement of Afghan women.
'At this time, Afghanistan is best served by a representative government that can present a united front to tackle the nation’s most pressing issues, particularly the need to move forward on intra-Afghan negotiations, managing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the worsening humanitarian situation, as well as the ongoing conflict and security challenges', said UNAMA.
Canada, Turkey, Iran, India and Pakistan also hailed the political development in Kabul.
Meanwhile, the Taliban have denounced the deal. The group's Qatar office spokesman, Suhail Shaheen labeled it as repetition of a 'failed experiment'.
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