Editor in Chief: Moh. Reza Huwaida Thursday, March 28th, 2024

EU Hopes Govt-Taliban Ceasefire Leads to Peace Talks

EU Hopes Govt-Taliban Ceasefire Leads to Peace Talks

KABUL - The European Union ambassador to Kabul Pierre Mayaudon on Sunday said they are hopeful that the ceasefires announced by the Afghan government and Taliban lead to real peace talks.
Mayaudon said he was however sorry that the foreign troops were not included in the Taliban’s ceasefire move.
“What we regret is that foreign international partners of Afghanistan who are working for peace in this country are excluded from this truce. So, nevertheless, we hope that the combination of the two will trigger further engagement and real peace dialogue,” said Mayaudon.
A number of members of the Meshrano Jirga, (Upper House of Parliament) however said until government leaders resolve the tension among themselves, the Taliban will not trust in the government’s ceasefire announcement.
But residents of a number of provinces said they are happy that they will get a few peaceful days during Eid.
“The only thing that we have understood is that its value is peace,” a religious scholar from Zabul said.
“Peace is what we hope for after these ceasefires,” another religious scholar said.
A number of residents of war-torn Kunduz province also said that peace was their greatest wish and they also welcomed the ceasefire announcements. 
“At least we can enjoy three to four days during Eid,” said Kunduz resident Samiullah.
“Three days is a lot of time, even if we have peace for one hour in the country, we would be very happy,” said Kunduz resident Bashir.
President Ashraf Ghani on Thursday announced a ceasefire with the Taliban after a religious scholars meeting in Kabul on Monday where they issued a fatwa against the ongoing war in the country.
“With the ceasefire announcement, we epitomize the strength of the Afghan government and the will of the people for a peaceful resolution to the Afghan conflict,” Ghani said in a video message on the Presidential Palace’s Facebook page.
“This ceasefire is an opportunity for the Taliban to realize that their violent campaign is not winning them hearts and minds but further alienating the Afghan people from their cause," Ghani said.
“The Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan announces a ceasefire from the 27th of Ramadan until the fifth day of Eid-ul-Fitr following the historic ruling (Fatwa) of the Afghan Ulema," he added.
The Taliban on Saturday issued a statement saying it had ordered its fighters not to clash with Afghan security forces for the first three days of Eid.
Taliban’s ceasefire, however, does not include the foreign forces.  (Tolo news)