Qatar, four other countries welcome Afghan ceasefire

Doha: Qatar, Germany, Indonesia, Norway, and Uzbekistan announced their warm welcome to the announcement of the Afghan government and the Taliban ceasefire during the blessed Eid al-Fitr .

They wish all Afghans a joyful and blessed Eid.

In a joint statement, the five countries said that the ceasefire is a positive step forward that gives cause for hope. The Afghan people deserves an end to violence as well as a dignified peace and stability, the statement said.

It added that the five countries encourage the parties to take further steps in the days and weeks ahead in order to enter into, without delay, intra-Afghan negotiations aimed at securing a durable peace settlement that ends the conflict in Afghanistan.

Recalling the appeal of the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for a global ceasefire amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the five countries urge a permanent and comprehensive reduction in violence so as to bring lasting relief to the Afghan population. In this connection, we also encourage the taking of necessary measures to protect vulnerable groups and individuals, including prisoners, from the pandemic.

As like-minded countries resolved to co-operate in our support for an inclusive peace process in Afghanistan, we stand ready to assist the process in any way the parties may wish, the statement added.

Concluding their statement, the five countries take this opportunity to recognize and commend the long-standing efforts of all relevant parties, including those of the State of Qatar and the United States, in supporting the peace process in Afghanistan.

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