Do Not Equip Taliban Under Pretext of Ceasefire -Say Civil Activists in Balkh
Civic institutions in northern Balkh province on Saturday at Rawze Mubarak – beside the white pigeons, symbolizing peace – announced they support the government’s ceasefire plan with Taliban insurgents, provided that the government does not equip the Taliban on this pretext.
Civic institutions in northern Balkh province on Saturday at Rawze Mubarak – beside the white pigeons, symbolizing peace – announced they support the government’s ceasefire plan with Taliban insurgents, provided that the government does not equip the Taliban on this pretext.
Civil society organizations during a gathering in Mazar-e Sharif supported any peace plan, but they called for lasting peace, not for projects that are mostly theatrical and ceremonial.
“If supporting the ceasefire plan leads to the equipment of Taliban fighters, it is not acceptable for us, but if it is for peace, we support it,” said Najib Paykan, a civil activist in Balkh province.
“Our emphasis is on lasting peace and a plan that will fulfill this lasting peace, not plans that double the war after a partial ceasefire,” Mr Paykan added.
Meanwhile, Sayed M. Yazdan Parast, a member of the civil institution said: “Our people have been seeking peace for many years and we support any plan that truly moves toward this peace”.
Last Thursday, president Ashraf Ghani announced it would begin a seven-day ceasefire on 12 June, the 27th day of Ramadan, and run to Eid-ul-Fitr.
