KABUL (SW) – The top U.S. peace broker for Afghanistan has expressed concerns over significant surge in violence as peace talks enter second week in Doha.
In a series of tweets, Zalmay Khalilzad, U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, urged the warring parties to reduce violence. “Over the last few days, there has been a clear rise in violence in Afghanistan. This escalation is regrettable as Afghans, including many civilians, are losing their lives”, he said.
“Given the recent start of Afghanistan Peace Negotiations, it is imperative all sides reduce violence significantly”, he added.
Earlier this week, Khalilzad stressed the UN Security Council has issued a statement on Afghanistan peace negotiations that underscores international commitment to Afghanistan's "sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity & national unity."
“The UNSC statement supports the path the parties are currently on, which is to find a political settlement that accommodates all Afghans, one the region and international community can endorse in spirit and in action”, he tweeted.
Khalilzad said this is a ‘unique’ moment for Afghanistan. “Not only are Afghan parties negotiating directly, but as indicated by the UNSC statement, there is broad international support for a negotiated political settlement and peace in Afghanistan. This unique opportunity must be seized”, he tweeted.
The landmark intra-Afghan peace talks began in Doha began last week.
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