MONITORING (SW) – The agreement reached on procedures for intra-Afghan negotiations in Doha has been widely hailed by the US, NATO and EU among others.
President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani welcomed the breakthrough. According to Ghani’s office, it is a step forward recognizing will of the people to ensure ceasefire for a lasting peace in Afghanistan.
The U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation has said he people of Afghanistan now expect rapid progress on a political roadmap and a ceasefire. In a series of tweets, Zalmay Khalilzad said as negotiations on a political roadmap and permanent ceasefire begin, the US will work hard with all sides for serious reduction of violence and even a ceasefire during this period.
“We welcome and are encouraged by the positive development in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations. If implemented, it provides an opportunity to move forward on peace and development in the region”, he tweeted.
NATO has also hailed the landmark development. ‘I welcome the steps forward taken on the #AfghanistanPeaceProcess – which #NATO strongly supports. Thanks to the efforts of dedicated Afghans working towards a peaceful & secure future for the people of #Afghanistan”, tweeted Stefano Pontecorvo, the Nato Senior Civilian Representative in Afghanistan .
On its part, the Ambassadors of European Union countries based in Kabul held a meeting with President Ghani following the development in Doha. Albeit procedural, this should pave the way for more substantive agreements”, said Ambassador Von Brandt following the meeting.
According to the joint communique issued by the Afghan government and the Taliban: “The current negotiations of both negotiation teams show that there is willingness among Afghans to reach a sustainable peace and both sides are committed to continue their sincere efforts to reach a sustainable peace in Afghanistan”.
ENDS
