KABUL – United States top envoy has responded over surprise Afghan Talibanannouncement of spring offensive.
US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad,who has held five rounds of talks with Taliban members, said theannouncement is “reckless” and is “indifference” to the demands of Afghansfor peace.
“It is irresponsible to suggest that an increase in violence is warrantedbecause the government announced a security plan,” he said in a tweet. “TheAfghan people have clearly voiced their desire for peace.”
Through this announcement, Khalilzad said, Taliban leaders demonstratetheir “indifference” to the demands of Afghans across the country.
He said the call for more fighting will not advance peace efforts and that“if executed, it will only yield more suffering and thousands morecausalities”.
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“At a time when all Afghans should come together in talks to determine acommon future, a call for fighting suggests the Taliban are stuck in theways of the past. Many Talibs including fighters and some leaders opposethis announcement,” he said.
Khalilzad said that all Afghans should condemn this announcement.
