It is ‘Peace Monday’, says US envoy to Afghanistan

Ross Wilson, the Charge d’Affaires at the US embassy in Kabul, has thanked everyone who participated in the peace talks program over the past five months and said “It’s Peace Monday”.

He said everyone who had so far participated in the process had provided valuable insight into what peace means to Afghans and what is important for the future of the country. 

In his message, Wilson explained what he tells the members of the intra-Afghan negotiating team about the peace process and its outcomes. 

“I tell them the United States supports two important outcomes for these talks. 

“First, a sovereign, united, democratic Afghanistan at peace with itself and its neighbors.

“Second, preservation and advancement of the political, economic and social gains of the past 19 years. 

He said in line with this, the US embassy will share details with the Afghan people about the remarkable progress Afghanistan has achieved since 2001.

He also said he would highlight ways the United States contributes towards its Enduring Partnership with Afghanistan and reveal some of the ambitious goals for the future. 

However, he made it clear that the intra-Afghan negotiations should and will be Afghan-owned and Afghan-led. 

In a clear message to Afghans, he said: “It’s up to all of you to determine the future of this country.”

But in doing this, he reassured all Afghans that the United States will be there, “every step of the way” to support Afghanistan. 

Wilson’s message comes at a critical time in the Afghan peace process following the Loya Jirga’s decision Sunday to release the 400 controversial Taliban prisoners in order to kick start much-needed peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban.