Ghani stresses bilateral ceasefire during Eid days

KABUL (Pajhwok): President Ashraf Ghani has said his government would decide on announcing ceasefire with the Taliban after consultations and receiving suggestions from various sections of the society, a statement from the Presidential Palace said Saturday.

Ghani stressed the ceasefire must be bilateral and aimed at bringing peace and stability to the country.

He was speaking at a meeting with High Peace Council (HPC) Chairman Karim Khalili, Ulema Council Head Mualvi Qeyamuddin Kashaf and other HPC members at the Presidential Palace.

The statement quoted the president as saying that consultations regarding truce were underway and the National Unity Government would declare its decision once the process of consultations was over and suggestions received.

“I respect your suggestions regarding peace, but the ceasefire must be two-way and its purpose should be peace,” the president told the huddle.

During the discussion, the president said security forces would take all steps needed to ensure security of citizens during Eid days.

The president emphasized that there was coordination with all international partners including the United States in the context of the peace talks. “And they are ready for any kind of cooperation in this regard.”

nh/ma