Afghan president announces end of cease-fire with Taliban
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 30 June 2018 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Afghan president announces end of cease-fire with Taliban, 30 June 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5bc04ff16.html [accessed 23 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Last Updated: June 30, 2018 19:27 GMT
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani (file photo)
Afghan forces were ordered to resume operations against Taliban fighters after President Ashraf Ghani announced an official end to the government's unilateral cease-fire.
At a June 30 news conference in Kabul, Ashraf Ghani declared an end to the truce, but also called on the Taliban to resume peace negotiations.
"The cease-fire is over. The Afghan security and defense forces are allowed to restart their military operations," Ghani told reporters.
"It is now the Taliban's decision, whether they want to keep killing or join the peace process," he added.
The cease-fire lasted 18 days in all, after it was extended once and coincided with a three-day Taliban truce.
Between June 15 and 17, videos and photos posted on news sites and social media showed soldiers and Taliban greeting and hugging each other and taking selfies in several provinces.
The three days of no fighting were unprecedented in the nearly 17-year conflict.
Ghani told the news conference that the cease-fire had demonstrated that most Taliban members sought peace. He said that it was now up to the other side to "give a positive response."
"I am ready to extend the cease-fire anytime when the Taliban are ready," Ghani said.
Taliban fighters resumed fighting several days ago, launching attacks across the country that have seen scores killed or injured.
The renewed violence has dashed hopes that the truce would provide a clear path to peace talks. The Taliban has refused calls to lay down their arms until foreign forces withdraw from Afghanistan.
Islamic State militants, who have a small presence in Afghanistan, were not included in the cease-fire and they launched two deadly attacks on civilians during the Eid holiday that ended the holy month of Ramadan.
With reporting by Reuters, AFP, and AP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
