read more"This Eid al-Adha, the Taliban should lay down their weapons for good and show the world their commitment to the peace process," the 15 missions and the NATO representative said, referring to Tuesday's Muslim holiday in Afghanistan. Over recent Eid holidays, the Taliban have called short ceasefires, saying they wanted to let Afghans spend them in peace. Monday's statement also condemned rights violations, such as efforts to shut schools and media outlets in areas recently captured by the Taliban. The Taliban have captured all 17 of the province's districts in recent days, barring the capital, Herat city, which is under siege. Peace talks between the Taliban and prominent Afghans from the government side - the militants have refused to recognise or talk to the US-backed government - started in September last year but have failed to make any progress.

Source: bd News24 July 19, 2021 09:11 UTC