MONITORING (SW) – The US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation has warned window to achieve a political settlement will not stay open forever.
Zalmay Khalilzad said this in a series of tweets as he returned to the region while expressing disappointment that despite commitments to lower violence, it has not happened. “Intransigence and a refusal to abandon animosity, embrace fellow citizens, and agree on a formula for political cooperation/competition underpin the ongoing war. Afghans are dying at a high rate, and regional spoilers are using Afghans as cannon fodder for their illegitimate objectives. Bloodshed must end”, he said.
The top US peace envoy added Afghans need to pivot to development instead of destruction, stability instead of chaos, forgiveness instead of vengeance, compromise instead of inflexibility.
In a statement, the State Department said Khalilzad departed for Oslo on October 26 where he discussed international coordination and support of the Afghan peace process. “In Doha, Ambassador Khalilzad will meet with the negotiating teams to follow up on ongoing discussions to reduce violence and press both sides to immediately stem the recent increase in violence that Afghans across the country are being forced to bear”, the State Department said.
It stressed the warring sides urgently need an agreement on a reduction of violence leading to a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire. “Along with international partners, Ambassador Khalilzad will press the two negotiating teams to accelerate their efforts and agree to a political roadmap that ends Afghanistan’s 40-year-long war. The sides must move past procedure and into substantive negotiations. American and international assistance remains available to all sides”, said the statement.
ENDS
