U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad said that Afghan leaders from both parties, would have to put their country first and reach a political agreement.
In a series of tweets, on early Wednesday, wishing Afghanistan on its Independence Day, Khalilzad said that Afghans yearn for peace and the country was “at a hopeful stage” of ending the decades long war and conflict.
“Afghans yearn for peace and soon Afghan-owned and Afghan-led negotiations should start, a historic and vital step,” he wrote.
“Afghan leaders from all sides will have to rise to the occasion, put their country first, learn from past mistakes and reach a political agreement. That is the road to ending the war and a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire,”
Writing on the occasion of the 101st Independence Day, the envoy said it was a day where all Afghans take pride in.
“The U.S. joins Afghans in celebrating their independence and will stand with them in their struggle to forge a sustainable peace. We wish Afghanistan independence and peace,” he concluded his message.
