Afghanistan committed to ‘dignified and long-lasting peace’ after Trump cancels talks with Taliban

Afghanistan’s government called on the Taliban to end the violence in the country and open talks after President Trump announced the cancellation of a meeting with the insurgent group. 

“Real peace will come when Taliban agree to a ceasefire,” said a statement from officials working for President Ashraf Ghani regarding the cancelled negotiations, Reuters reported Sunday.

Trump announced via tweet on Saturday that he canceled a secret meeting with leaders of the Taliban and Afghanistan’s president at Camp David after the Taliban claimed responsibility for an attack in Kabul that killed a U.S. soldier and 11 others. 

A source close to the group’s leadership in Afghanistan told Reuters that the Taliban would meet to discuss negotiations. {mosads}

“Trump’s tweets do not clarify if the deal has been canceled, he has just called-off the talks at this stage,” the source said.

A draft peace accord was reportedly reached last week, although Taliban fighters have continued their attacks. The group claimed two recent suicide bombings in Kabul. 

The draft accord would reportedly allow for the withdrawal of about 5,000 U.S. troops with the promise that Afghanistan would not be used to attack the U.S. or its allies.