Kabul
Afghan Taliban leader Haibatullah Akhundzada has said the group was committed to its landmark deal which it signed with the United States in February.
Akhundzada urged Washington “not to waste” the opportunity offered by the deal to end America’s longest war in a message released ahead of next week’s Eid-ul-Fitr holiday, which marks the end of Ramadan.
“The Islamic Emirate is committed to the agreement signed with America and urges the other side to honour its own commitments and not allow this critical opportunity to go waste,” Akhundzada said in a statement. “I urge American officials to not afford anyone the opportunity to obstruct, delay and ultimately derail this internationally recognised bilateral agreement” between the two sides, the reclusive leader added.
After months of negotiations, the Taliban and US signed a deal in February which stipulates Washington will withdraw all troops by next year in return for security guarantees. US President Donald Trump’s administration has made it a priority to end the war in Afghanistan, and in a bid to withdraw foreign forces US officials have been pushing the Taliban and Afghan leaders to hold peace talks. Under the accord, the Taliban pledged to stop attacking cities and foreign forces, but has continued to target Afghan forces in the provinces.— AFP
