MONITORING (SW) – The top US peace broker for Afghanistan has echoed the Afghan government’s call for permanent truce following the Taliban’s declaration of a brief three-day ceasefire for the Eid al-Fitre.
In a series of tweets, Zalmay Khalilzad, US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, welcomed the announcements by the Taliban and the Afghan government to observe an Eid ceasefire.
“But, Afghans deserve much more: a political settlement & a permanent ceasefire. We therefore urge accelerated negotiations among Afghans on a political settlement and an end to this senseless war. This is what the Afghan people yearn for. The United States stands with them”, he tweeted.
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Earlier on Monday, President Ashraf Ghani said the withdrawal of foreign troops leaves no reason for the Taliban to continue their deadly insurgency.
“Resorting to violence, killing civilians, destroying infrastructure, and attacking public places is wrong and illegal on any day, not just Eid days,” he said.
“Now that foreign forces are leaving Afghanistan, the Taliban have no religious reason to continue their war.”
The Taliban had rejected government calls for a halt in fighting during the holy month of Ramadan but have announced a three-day cease-fire for the Eid al-Fitr festival coming this week.
Abdullah Abdullah, the government’s chief peace negotiator, welcomed the cease-fire announcement but stressed that the country desperately needs a permanent nationwide truce.
“Temporary cease-fires on these occasions provide a brief opportunity for people to experience peace, but this is not a fundamental and permanent solution to the country’s problems,” he said in a statement.
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