The U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad reacted to ‘bombastic tone’ of the Eid message of Taliban Chief Mullah Hebatullah Akhundzada.
“The Taliban leader’s Eid statement provides some welcome support for the Afghan Peace Process,” Ambassador Khalilzad said in a statement posted in Twitter.
Ambassador believes that Akhundzada’s Eid statement also reflects the group’s desire to participate in dialogue with other Afghans and in a final political settlement that will require power sharing. ”
In the meantime, Ambassador Khalilzad said “At the same time, the statement’s bombastic tone is unnecessary.”
Ambassador Khalilzad also added that the bombastic tone of the statement “only serves to complicate and disrupt as we advance peace talks.”
Furthermore, Ambassador Khalilzad said the statement suggests that the US seeks violence. “We do not. The level of violence in Afghanistan is unacceptable and we have no desire to perpetuate it,” he said.
He also added that “Let us find ways to work together to reduce or to immediately end the violence, as we continue negotiations to end the war.”
Ambassador Khalilzad also emphasized that “The killing of the Afghans must stop.”
Taliban Chief Mullah Hebatullah Akhundzada Eid Message:
The Taliban Chief Mullah Hebatullah Akhundzada on Saturday issued a new message ahead of Eid Al-Fitr.
The Taliban Chief called on U.S. to adopt a policy of reason and understanding and to remain a sincere partner in negotiations process.
Furthermore, Akhundzada said the United States should accept the logical proposals of Taliban.
Akhundzada also added that “No one should expect us to pour cold water on the heated battlefronts of Jihad or forget our forty-year sacrifices before reaching our objectives.”
Meanwhile, the Taliban Chief said he expects further progress in intra-Afghan dialogue.
U.S. – Taliban Peace Talks in Qatar:
Ambassador Khalilzad has so far participated in six rounds of peace talks with the Taliban group leaders in Qatari capital of Doha to find a negotiated political settlement for the Afghan conflict.
Similarly, efforts are underway to launch direct peace talks between the Afghan government and Taliban group to end the conflict in the country.
However, the Taliban group has so far refrained to launch direct talks with the government.
Meanwhile, the Taliban group leaders have participated in two rounds of intra-Afghan dialogue in Moscow of Russia.
But so far no breakthrough has been achieved to reduce violence particularly to reach to an agreement to declare a ceasefire.
