Talks mark historic opportunity to end war: US

KABUL to end four decades of war and bloodshed, says the US secretary of state. 

On the eve of the long-awaited negotiations, Michael R. Pompeo said on Friday the United States welcomed the announcement that the peace negotiations would begin on September 12. 

In a statement from the State Department, he acknowledged that the Afghans, who had carried the burden of war for too long, yearned for peace. 

“Only through an Afghan-owned, Afghan-led political process — one that respects the views of all Afghan communities, including women and ethnic and religious minorities — can the parties achieve a durable peace,” he added.

Pompeo stressed the opportunity must not be squandered. Sacrifice and investment by the US, its partners and the Afghans had made this moment of hope possible, he remarked. 

He urged the negotiators to demonstrate pragmatism, restraint and flexibility, saying the people of Afghanistan and the international community would be watching them closely. 

“The US is prepared to support as requested. The US recalls the commitment by the Afghan government and the Taliban that terrorists can never again use Afghan soil to threaten the United States or its allies.  Now is the time for peace for Afghanistan.”

PAN Monitor/mud

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