WASHINGTON - The United States on Monday asked the Taliban to quit fighting and join the government-initiated peace process by entering talks with the Ashraf Ghani administration.
State Department Spokesperson, Elizabeth Trudeau issued the call at her daily news conference, urging the insurgent movement to pursue a negotiated end to the conflict in Afghanistan.
“We believe the Taliban have a choice. Rather than continuing to fight fellow Afghans, they should engage in a peace process and ultimately become a legitimate part of the political system of a sovereignAfghanistan supported by the international community,” she said.
Responding to a question, Trudeau said the US was aware of reports regarding links between the Islamic State and the Taliban.“We’re obviously monitoring the presence of Daesh-affiliated individuals and groups in Afghanistan.
“We remain actively engaged with the government of Afghanistan, as well as our partners in the region, to deny terrorist organisations such as Daesh or their branches, safe haven and material support,” she added.(Pajhwok)