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Trump gives ‘conditional’ approval to peace deal with Taliban
The US President Donald Trump has conditionally approved a peace deal with the Taliban, CNN reported, citing US officials.
According to the report, the agreement will go ahead only if the Taliban abide by a pledge to “reduce violence” over a seven-day test period later this month.
The deal could provide a chance for the US troop to pull out from Afghanistan and it potentially would bring an end to the US long war in the war-weary country.
On Friday, Gen. John Hyten, the vice-chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, stressed that the US moves in the country would be conditions-based.
“The conditions right now are better. Again there’s the hope word, again I usually don’t use that, but I hope that that continues along, and it’s never going to be perfect,” he said. “That’s why it wasn’t called a ceasefire. It was called a reduction in violence because that country is so dispersed and communications so difficult across that you’re always going to have issues, but I hope that it continues that way and a deal will take place this year.”
Meanwhile, Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani said in a tweet, Tuesday, that the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has informed him of the “notable progress” made in the ongoing peace talks with the Taliban.
“The Secretary informed me about the Taliban’s proposal with regards to bringing a significant and enduring reduction in violence,” said Ghani,
He said that the Afghan government’s primary objective is to end the senseless bloodshed in the country.
“To do so, the Afghan people stand with us with their full consensus and I assure them that their leadership maintains the courage, competence, and the necessary resources to achieve this objective,” said Ghani. “The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan will manage the next steps in a manner that positively supports the overall peace process and will report to the public.”
Esmaeil Baqaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has announced that Tehran will host a regional meeting on Afghanistan next week.
Referring to Iran’s ongoing consultations with neighboring countries, including Pakistan and Afghanistan, aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region, he said: “The Islamic Republic of Iran attaches fundamental importance to security and stability in our neighboring environment, and in this regard, spares no effort to reduce tensions among regional countries and to strengthen mutual understanding.”
He described the upcoming meeting as the result of consultations held at various levels with neighboring countries and other regional actors, expressing hope that this initiative will play an effective role in enhancing regional cohesion and easing tensions.
According to Baqaei, the regional meeting will take place next week in Tehran, hosted by Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and will be attended by special representatives for Afghan affairs from Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, China, and Russia.
The European Union has announced €25 million in assistance to the World Food Programme’s Afghanistan office.
According to the EU, the aid will be used to develop climate-resilient projects and strengthen local food systems in Afghanistan.
It will also help create employment opportunities for women and youth, as well as support school nutrition programs.
The EU added that this cooperation will continue to expand opportunities that improve the lives of Afghans.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate has denied reports claiming that Afghan dual citizens living abroad are now required to obtain an Afghan visa when returning to their home country.
Zia Ahmad Takal, the ministry’s head of public relations, said in a statement that no new decision has been made in this regard.
According to him, Afghans who travel to Afghanistan with a foreign passport, as before, do not need to obtain a visa if they present proof of their Afghan identity, and they may enter the country without a visa.
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