KABUL (SW) – The Taliban and the U.S. on Saturday inked landmarked peace deal in the Qatari capital, Doha.
Zalmay Khalilzad, U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, inked the deal with Mulla Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Taliban’s deputy head.
Speaking on the on the occasion, Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo said the Taliban and the U.S. have endured decades of hostilities and mistrust. He said this effort (signing of peace deal) became real when Taliban expressed interests in pursuing peace and ending their relationships with al-Qaeda and other foreign terrorist groups, and realizing military victory was impossible.
Baradar, pledged to abide by the terms of peace deal inked with the U.S. He thanked Pakistan, Iran, China and Russia for their role, and urged them to help with rebuilding the country.
In a statement, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark A. Milley, said the only ‘responsible way’ to end the war in Afghanistan is through a negotiated political settlement. “Today is a reflection of the hard work of our Nation's military, the U.S. Department of State, intelligence professionals, and our valued partners”, he said reiterating commitment to the Afghan people, and to ensuring that Afghanistan never becomes a safe haven for terrorists.
ENDS
