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The Federal Foreign Office on the ceasefire in Afghanistan
A Federal Foreign Office Spokesperson issued the following statement today (16 June) on the ceasefire in Afghanistan:
The prospect of a ceasefire over the Eid ul-Fitr holiday in Afghanistan is good news. The ceasefire is a sign of strength and a historic opportunity. It shows that an end to the violence is possible if the Afghan parties desire it.
We support the Afghan Government in its efforts to drive forward the peace process and appeal to all sides to respect the ceasefire. We hope that it will be continued and thereby pave the way for further confidence-building measures and direct peace talks. An Afghan peace process is the only sustainable solution for the country and the region.
Germany stands by the people of Afghanistan on this path and will support and respect the agreements they conclude.
Background information:
Following Afghan President Ashraf Ghani’s announcement of a several-day ceasefire from 12 June and his appeal to the Afghan security forces to halt all offensive operations against the Taliban, the Taliban, for their part, also announced a ceasefire for the holiday period for the first time since the start of the conflict 17 years ago. However, they said that this did not apply to attacks on foreign Forces.