The Taliban has turned down calls for a cease-fire in Afghanistan during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which begins Friday.
The Afghan government and others had hoped to enable health officials to better respond to the “common threat” of the coronavirus pandemic.
A spokesman for the Taliban’s group argued Thursday that its agreement with the United States outlines an internationally endorsed “comprehensive framework” on how to promote Afghan peace.
“If it is implemented [fully], it will take us to a lasting cease-fire and peace,” tweeted Suhail Shaheen, referring to the February 29 landmark U.S.-Taliban pact.
