Iran Welcomes Ceasefire between Taliban, Afghan Government

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qassemi has welcomed the latest agreement between the Afghan government and the Taliban militants on a ceasefire on Eid al-Fitr celebrations that mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

In a Saturday statement, Qassemi said the Islamic Republic of Iran welcomes the Afghan government’s decision to accept a ceasefire with the Taliban militants and views it as a positive step to achieve bigger agreements and restore permanent stability and security to Afghanistan.

The spokesman also expressed Iran’s preparedness to offer all types of contributions to promote peace in the neighbouring Afghanistan under the guidance and leadership of the country’s government.

The Afghan government and the militant group agreed to the truce two days after it was announced by Afghan President Ashraf Ghani.

The ceasefire will begin either next Friday or Saturday, as Eid al-Fitr falls on one of these days. The government had said the ceasefire would last for a week, and would exclude ISIS and other terror outfits.

But the Taliban say they will stop fighting for three days adding that they will defend themselves, if attacked. They’ve also pledged to continue their operations against foreign forces.

The Taliban have been fighting the Afghan government, since their regime was ousted 17 years ago.

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