Friday June 29, 2018 Kabul (BNA) Meeting of International Contact Group for Afghanistan was held by participation of representatives from 52 countries and international organizations in Baku city, Azerbaijan. Deputy political minister of foreign affairs, Hekmat Khalil Karzai leading a high-ranking government delegation participated and presided the joint meeting. ICG members commended the Government of Afghanistan under the leadership of President Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah for its courageous initiative of a temporary ceasefire with the Taliban on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr and the offer to extend the duration of this ceasefire. They were encouraged by the cessation of hostilities for three days, which has created an historic opportunity for peace. This cessation of hostilities during the Eid-ul-Fitr holiday has shown that the overwhelming majority of the Afghan people want peace and that violence can be effectively stopped. ICG members condemned the terrorist attacks in Nangarhar province, attributed to ISKP, and the resurgence of violence after Eid-ul-Fitr. They reaffirmed the necessity to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and their support in this regard. ICG members urged the Afghan Taliban to respond to the call for peace from the Afghan people and to extend their previously announced partial ceasefire, reciprocating the Government’s ceasefire in full. They also urged the Afghan Taliban to engage in direct peace talks with the Government of Afghanistan without any delay, preconditions and without the threat of violence. Such talks by necessity would include a discussion of all contested issues, including the future role of international actors and forces. ICG members reiterated the importance of an inclusive Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process for the long-term prosperity and stability of Afghanistan. They reaffirmed their commitment to support and respect any peace agreement that ends violence, cuts ties to transnational terrorism, and protects the universal human rights of all Afghan citizens especially women. ICG members also expressed hope and full support to the conduct of timely, transparent, free and fair parliamentary and district council elections as a foundation of stability and peace in Afghanistan. Ansari
