The new US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has stepped up efforts to deal with Afghan issue as soon as he assumed the office and in his maiden phone call to President Ashraf Ghani discussed peace process and “the US commitment to an enduring US-Afghan partnership.”
The US State Department said in a statement that “the Secretary highlighted diplomatic support for the peace process focused on helping the parties to the conflict achieve a durable and just political settlement and permanent and comprehensive ceasefire that benefits all Afghans.”
It said that the Secretary told the Afghan president that the United States is reviewing the US-Taliban agreement sealed in February last and whether the Taliban are living up to their commitments to cut ties with terrorist groups, to reduce violence in Afghanistan, and to engage in meaningful negotiations with the Afghan government and other stakeholders.
“The Secretary reiterated his desire for all Afghan leaders to support this historic opportunity for peace while preserving the progress made over the last 20 years with regard to human rights, civil liberties, and the role of women in Afghan society,” the State Department continued.
“The Secretary committed to consultations with the Government of Afghanistan, NATO allies, and international partners regarding a collective strategy to support a stable, sovereign, democratic, and secure future for Afghanistan,” the statement concluded.
