Pompeo welcomes 3-day ceasefire declaration by Taliban, Afghan govt during Eid

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo welcomed 3-day ceasefire anuncement by Taliban and Afghan government’s decision to reciprocate during Eid festival. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid h called for a temporary suspension of “offensive operations” solely for Eid festivities and Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani reciprocated by ordering security forces to comply with 3-days truce.

Pompeo expressed hope that respite from ongoing conflict will give Afghans and security y deserve to celebrate festival. He ded that temporary ceasefire will also allow Taliban and government opportunity to take ditional steps toward a peaceful future for ir country.

“ United States remains committed to implementation of US-Taliban agreement and US-Afghanistan Joint Declaration,” Pompeo said in a statement.

top US diplomat stated that he expects Dr Abdullah Abdullah and President Ghani to seize opportunity to use opportunity to remove remaining obstacles that have delayed peace talks, starting with release of prisoners. He also called on Taliban to here to ir commitment t to allow released prisoners to return to battlefield.

“Finally, I expect both leers of Afghan government and Taliban t to escalate violence after Eid. This violence is counterproductive, deepens grievances, and prolongs suffering of Afghan people,” said Pompeo.

Re: Afghan President Pledges To 'expedite' Release Of Taliban Prisoners Amid Eid Ceasefire

'Momentous opportunity'

Ghani, in his Eid al-Fitr mess, anunced that he would “expedite” release of Taliban prisoners as taking ar step forward towards a truce. Afghan President took to Twitter to welcome ceasefire declaration by Taliban and said that he has instructed security forces to “defend only if attacked”.

Zalmay Khalilz, US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, called it a momentous opportunity that should t be missed and ded that United States will do its part to help. He also called for immediate release of remaining prisoners as specified in US-Taliban agreement by both sides and returning to high levels of violence.

Re: Taliban, Afghan Govt Declare 3-day Ceasefire For Eid; US Peace Envoy Calls It 'momentous'