KABUL (SW) – The international community on Wednesday hailed the Eid day’s truce announced by the Taliban and the Afghan government.
In a series of tweets, Zalmay Khalilzad, US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, wished the Afghan people a peaceful holiday. “Eid ul Adha is a time of charity & fellowship. Our hope is this Eid brings all Afghans together in understanding & mutual respect and one step closer to a sustainable peace”, he tweeted.
Khalilzad welcomed the Taliban announcement of an Eid ceasefire and the Afghan government's reciprocal announcement. “We wish the Afghan national security forces continued honor in the service of the Afghan people and thank them for their commitment to Afghanistan. Eid Mubarak”, tweeted the US envoy.
NATO also hailed the development. "It is an important step in the #AfghanPeaceProcess that must lead to the earliest possible start of intra-Afghan negotiations. Afghan people deserve peace now & NATO stands with them", the Alliance said in a statement.
The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan also welcomes the Eid ceasefire announcement by the Taliban and the reciprocity from the government. “Further prisoner releases and reductions in violence should now pave the way for a quick start to intra Afghan negotiations”, it said.
In this series of reactions, the EU said both sides must turn a meaningful symbol into an historical opportunity. “At 27 & 28 July SOM in Kabul, EU joined voice with other partners to commit support to Afghanistan but also to call for transparent & accountable financial management. Geneva Pledging Conference in November will be a defining moment on the way to achieving self-sustainability”, said a statement issued by the block.
Last evening, Taliban announced a surprise ceasefire in Afghanistan during Eid holidays.
The Afghan government welcomed the Taliban’s announcement of a three-day ceasefire during the Eid days.
President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani instructed all the security and defense forces in the country to observe the three-day ceasefire and not to carry out any operations against the Taliban until the ceasefire is violated by the Taliban.
ENDS
