Khalilzad underlines talks on political settlement

KABUL (Pajhwok): US Special Representative for Afghanistan Peace Zalmay Khalilzad has called for a political settlement and a permanent ceasefire in Afghanistan.

The veteran US diplomat issued the call welcoming the announcements of Eid ceasefire by the Taliban and the Afghan government.

Khalilzad tweeted: “I welcome the announcements by the Taliban and the Afghan government to observe an Eid ceasefire.”

He noted violence had been horrific in recent weeks and the Afghan people had paid the price.

“But Afghans deserve much more: a political settlement & a permanent ceasefire. We therefore urge accelerated negotiations among Afghans on a political settlement and an end to this senseless war.

“This is what the Afghan people yearn for. The United States stands with them,” Khalilzad wrote.

sa/mud