NATO urges Taliban to accept peace offer, Pakistan to close terror sanctuaries

AVA- In a statement issued following a meeting of foreign ministers, NATO said that allies are “united in their support for this proposal of an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned process.”
“We will respect and support a negotiated political settlement led by the Afghan Government which ends violence, cuts ties to terrorism and protect the human rights of all Afghan citizens."
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani made offer of talks to the Taliban in late February, but the group has continued carrying out attacks and recently announced launch of annual spring offensive.
“We urge the Taliban to respond favourably to this opportunity and participate in an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace process,” NATO’s statement said. “The responsibility to bring an end to a long era of conflict is now in the Taliban’s hands.”
Ceasefire, recognition of the Taliban as a political party and prisoner release are among incentives offered by Ghani.
NATO suggested it was open to discussion between Kabul and the Taliban on the future role of the international community in Afghanistan.
The alliance emphasized also on the importance of Pakistan’s role in Afghan peace process.
“We encourage Pakistan to act on its stated support for a political solution to the Afghan conflict, to close terrorist sanctuaries and to work to prevent terrorist financial flows and crossb-border attacks.”
Iran and Russia were also urged to contribute to regional stability by fully supporting the Afghan peace process.