KABUL, Aug 20, 2018 (MENA) – US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has called on the Taliban group to participate in the ceasefire initiative announced by President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha, Khaama Press News Agency reported. "The United States welcomes the announcement by the Afghan government of a ceasefire conditioned on Taliban participation. This plan responds to the clear and continued call of the Afghan people for peace," Pompeo was quoted in a statement released by the US Embassy in Kabul. He said "The last ceasefire in Afghanistan revealed the deep desire of the Afghan people to end the conflict, and we hope another ceasefire will move the country closer to sustainable security. The United States and our international partners support this initiative by the Afghan people and the Afghan government, and we call on the Taliban to participate. It is our hope, and that of the international community, that the Afghan people may celebrate Eid Al-Adha this year in peace, free from fear." "The United States supports President Ghani's offer for comprehensive negotiations on a mutually agreed agenda. We remain ready to support, facilitate, and participate in direct negotiations between the Afghan government and the Taliban. There are no obstacles to talks. It is time for peace," Pompeo added.
