Pompeo says 'time for peace' as Afghanistan announces ceasefire with Taliban
The United States is ready to support and facilitate direct peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Sunday, welcoming a Muslim Eid holiday ceasefire announced by President Ashraf Ghani.
By Reuters
August 20, 2018
WASHINGTON: The United States is ready to support and facilitate direct peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Sunday, welcoming a Muslim Eid holiday ceasefire announced by President Ashraf Ghani.
"The United States welcomes the announcement by the Afghan government of a ceasefire conditioned on Taliban participation," Pompeo said in a statement.
"This plan responds to the clear and continued call of the Afghan people for peace." He said Washington was ready to back direct negotiations between the government and militant movement.
"There is no obstacles to talks. It is time for peace," Pompeo said.
-
Tucker Carlson says passport seized, staff member questioned at Israel airport -
Russia set to block overseas crypto exchanges in sweeping crackdown -
US Supreme Court strikes down Trump’s global tariffs as 'unlawful' -
Kelly Clarkson explains decision to quit 'The Kelly Clarkson Show' -
Japan: PM Takaichi flags China ‘Coercion,’ pledges defence security overhaul -
Angorie Rice spills the beans on major details from season 2 of ' The Last Thing He Told Me' -
Teacher arrested after confessing to cocaine use during classes -
Milo Ventimiglia recalls first meeting with Arielle Kebbel on the sets of 'Gilmore Girls' amid new project