The U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad, on Tuesday welcomed the announcement by the Taliban and the Afghan government to observe a three-day ceasefire during Eid holiday.
He voiced concern over the “horrific” level of violence “in recent weeks” in the country. “Afghan people have paid the price.”
The U.S. peace envoy called for speeding up negotiations among Afghans to reach a political settlement and end the “senseless” conflict.
“But Afghans deserve much more: a political settlement & a permanent ceasefire,” he said. “We therefore urge accelerated negotiations among Afghans on a political settlement and an end to this senseless war.”
He pledged the United States will stand with Afghan people.
In a statement on Monday, the Taliban fighters were ordered not to conduct any offensives against government forces “countrywide” during the three days and nights of a major festival observed by Muslims across the world.
Following the Taliban statement, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani in a statement ordered Afghan forces to observe the ceasefire during Eid days, calling on the group to respond to the people’s demand for permanent ceasefire.
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