The US Special Envoy for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad has tweeted that the ” The US has not imposed the current war on Afghanistan.”

“We did not impose this war. Afghanistan has been at war for decades, at times with each other. Tens of thousands of innocent civilians have died. Rather than another season of fighting, Afghans are demanding a new way forward”, Khalilzad tweeted on April 14.

Khalilzad added that ” the US entered peace talks b/c more war is not the answer. During the talks, I’ve proposed ways to reduce violence. By refusing to work w/ us to end the killing, the Talibs are prolonging it. Let Afghan people judge whether Talib statements encouraging more violence is way forward.”

He further wrote on Twitter that ” the quickest way to prevent casualties is to agree to a ceasefire. Taliban senior leadership should allow their representatives to come to the table and discuss. I will continue to press the case.”

“The Afghan people deserve and want a comprehensive ceasefire and negotiations leading to a lasting peace. The US stands with them”, Khalilzad went on saying.

Earlier, in reaction to the Taliban’s spring offensive codenamed ” Al-Fath” Khalilzad accused the group of being reckless and irresponsible towards the people of Afghanistan, adding that the group is seeking to prolong the war.

Arezo news website – Humayun Salimi