Partial truce to help create stable Afghanistan: Esper

KABUL.

In a series of tweets, Esper said: “The State Department announced that the US has reached an understanding with the Taliban on reduction in violence in Afghanistan.”

He wrote America’s NATO allies and partners agreed the best path forward in Afghanistan was a negotiated and conditions-based political settlement between all Afghans.

The Taliban must demonstrate their commitment to a meaningful reduction in violence, he stressed, saying NATO remained committed to ensuring Afghanistan never again became a safe-haven for terrorists.

However, the defence secretary warned: “Should the Taliban reject the path of peace, we remain prepared to defend ourselves and our Afghan partners.”

sa/mud

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