*WASHINGTON: Special Representative of the United States (US) ZalmayKhalilzad said the number of civilian deaths in Afghanistan showed thatthis war has “gone too long”.*
The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan reported that in the first quarterof 2019, there were 1,773 civilian casualties in Afghanistan — 581 deathsand 1,192 injured. The UN also reported 582 child casualties — 150 deathsand 432 injured.
It noted that during this period, Nato-led and Afghan forces killed morecivilians in the worn-torn country than the Taliban did.
“We are distressed by reports of civilian casualties, each one anunnecessary victim of a war that has gone too long,” Ambassador Khalilzadwrote in a tweet.
Sharing the pain of Afghan victims, he said: “Sons and daughters, brothersand sisters, neighbours and friends. Their deaths outrage us all and westand with Afghans who protest the deaths and want to end the bloodshed.”
He said the forces on the ground “never target innocents. War istreacherous & unintended consequences are devastating.” Khalilzad assuredthat the Afghan and US forces are striving “to prevent casualties” and thatthe “real solution is a ceasefire or reduced violence as we pursue lastingpeace.”
Read Top Stories
linkU.S. Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad✔@US4AfghanPeacelinklink
(1/3) We are distressed by reports of civilian casualties, each one anunnecessary victim of a war that has gone too long. Sons &daughters,brothers &sisters, neighbors &friends. Their deaths outrage us all & westand w/ Afghans who protest the deaths & want to end the bloodshedTwitter Ads info and privacy link
Referring to a Taliban statement that a ceasefire is not on the agenda forthe next round, Mr Khalilzad said: “For us, peace is the agenda. The Afghanpeople have had enough violence & want an end to the war. The United Statesstands with them. I challenge Talibs to join other Afghans and work to makethis the year of peace,” he earnestly added.link
