US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper says reduction of violence is an important step in the Afghan peace process to create a stable Afghanistan.
In a series of tweets, Esper said: “The State Department announced that the US has reached an understanding with the Taliban on reduction in violence in Afghanistan.”
He wrote America’s NATO allies and partners agreed the best path forward in Afghanistan was a negotiated and conditions-based political settlement between all Afghans.
The Taliban must demonstrate their commitment to a meaningful reduction in violence, he stressed, saying NATO remained committed to ensuring Afghanistan never again becomes a safe-haven for terrorists.
However, the defense secretary warned: “Should the Taliban reject the path of peace, we remain prepared to defend ourselves and our Afghan partners.”
