MONITORING (SW) – U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday held a telephonic conversation with Mulla Abdul Ghani Baradar, deputy leader of the Taliban.
"We've agreed there is no violence, we don't want violence. We'll see what happens. They're dealing with Afghanistan, but we'll see what happens," Trump told reporters at the White House.
Trump told Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar that U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo would soon speak to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani to remove obstacles to implementation of the deal, said Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid in a statement.
U.S. envoy Zalmay Khalilzad and several other members of the Taliban political office were also present during the 35-minute call, Mujahid added.
The Taliban leader assured Trump of “positive bilateral relations” in the future if the deal is implemented, said Mujahid.
For his part, Trump reportedly said the withdrawal of U.S. troops is in the interests of all sides while Washington will be fully involved in the reconstruction of Afghanistan in the future.
The UN, EU, and the U.S., on the other hand, urged the insurgents to abide by the peace agreement and follow reduction in violence.
“Following the Taliban’s reported resumption of military operations, the UN calls for continued reduced violence to maintain & enhance an environment conducive to the start of intra-Afghan negotiations, which should lead to a permanent ceasefire and a lasting political settlement,” said the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan.
ENDS
