UN chief welcomes Eid ceasefire announcement by Afghan government, Taliban

UNITED NATIONS, Jul 30 (APP):UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres Thursday welcomed the announcement by the Government of Afghanistan and the Taliban of a ceasefire to enable the Afghan people to celebrate the Eid al-Adha holiday in peace.

“The Secretary-General urges all parties concerned to seize this opportunity and embrace an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process,” a statement read out by his Spokesman Farhan Haq said.  “Only a peace settlement can bring an end to the suffering in Afghanistan,” the statement said.

“He reiterates the urgency of a lasting ceasefire for addressing the COVID-19 emergency and underlines the readiness of the United Nations to provide any assistance that the parties may require.”