The US and NATO forces commander in Afghanistan, Gen. Scott Miller, in a visit to the northern province of Faryab last week said the Taliban must reduce violence as it remains high amidst peace efforts.
“We did talk about the violence,” Miller said about his meeting with officials during his trip. “We’re trying to understand, make sure we understand the violence and really this is about the Afghan security forces protecting the Afghan people. But we all acknowledge that violence is too high, and the Taliban must lower their violence.”
Violence remains high in the country amidst the ongoing peace negotiations in Doha between the Afghan republic and the Taliban negotiating teams. The start of the direct negotiations has faced delay over two disputed points on the procedural rules. So far, the contact groups of both sides have held seven meetings to discuss procedural rules for the negotitaions.
“If Doha does have an opportunity to move forward here. So, we will continue to work that but again it is about the integration of the security forces with the local governance as well.”
Faryab governor Naqibullah Fayiq said they had a constructive meeting with Gen. Miller and Afghan officials who visited the province to discuss security problems in the northern province.
“In this meeting, NATO forces commander in Afghanistan, Gen. Miller, reiterated his support to the Afghan forces, especially in northern and northeastern province,” Fayiq said.
Gen. Yasin Zia, Chief of Army Staff, said they assessed the security situation of northern provinces in their trip to Balkh and Faryab provinces.
“The Afghan forces continue their efforts to protect the people… Our enemies should know that we are ready for defending the country and meanwhile, we are ready for peace. Peace is the only way to prosperity in Afghanistan,” said Mohammad Ayub Salangi, the deputy head of the Independent Directorate of Local Governance.
Figures by the Ministry of Interior Affairs show that 69 civilians were killed and 141 more were wounded in 650 attacks by the Taliban over the last week. Taliban has not commented on the statistics provided by the Interior Affairs Ministry.
