Khalilzad says distressed by civilian casualties’ reports

KABUL Zalmay Khalilzad on Thursday said they were distressed by reports of civilian casualties in the war-torn country.

In a series of tweets, Khalilzad said each casualty was an unnecessary victim of a war that has gone too long.

“Sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, neighbors and friends, their deaths outrage us all and we stand with Afghans who protest the deaths and want to end the bloodshed,” the envoy said, after UN a report said pro-government forces were responsible for 54 percent of civilian deaths during the first three months of 2019.

“We deeply regret any loss of innocent life during military operations. We never target innocents. War is treacherous and unintended consequences are devastating. While we strive to prevent casualties, real solution is a ceasefire or reduced violence as we pursue lasting peace,” Khalilzad said.

He said the Taliban say ‘a ceasefire is not part of the agenda.  “For us, peace is the agenda. The Afghan people have had enough violence and want an end to the war. The United States stands with them. I challenge Talibs to join other Afghans and work to make this the year of peace.”

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