US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad has called on Afghan leaders to “learn from past mistakes” and reach a political agreement.
“Afghan leaders from all sides will have to rise to the occasion, put their country first, learn from past mistakes and reach a political agreement,” Khalilzad said on Twitter. “That is the road to ending the war and a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire.”
Wishing Afghans a happy Independence Day, Khalilzad said that this year’s celebration takes place as efforts to end the 40 years plus war are, despite serious challenges, at a hopeful stage.
“Afghans yearn for peace and soon Afghan-owned and Afghan-led negotiations should start, a historic and vital step,” Khalilzad said.
He said that the US stands with Afghanistan in their struggle to forge a sustainable peace.
The US-Taliban deal scheduled intra-Afghan talks to begin on March 10, but they were delayed due to disagreement over prisoner releases.
