No major step taken on peace process so far: Afghan Chief Executive
Story highlights
'Unfortunately, the fighting is still ongoing during Ramadhan. We wanted a ceasefire during this month, but so far it's not agreed,' local media quoted Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, as saying.
The Afghan government on Monday expressed dismay over the Taliban's refusal to call for a ceasefire during the Muslim holy month of Ramadhan despite repeated requests.
"Unfortunately, the fighting is still ongoing during Ramadhan. We wanted a ceasefire during this month, but so far it's not agreed," Tolo News quoted Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, as saying. "No major step has been taken on the peace process so far," he added.
His remarks came after the Taliban rejected the ceasefire suggestion by Jirga grand council. In the last one-month, Taliban has attacked various regions in the country, mainly targeting the government and the armed forces. Just hours after announcing its annual spring offensive, the Taliban attempted an attack near the district governor`s office.
But they were "pushed back and defeated" by security forces. In the attack, two Afghan soldiers were reportedly killed, along with 27 Taliban militants. Taliban militants have been using IED to target security forces. As per official figures, at least 120 civilians in Afghanistan are affected by mines and unexploded ordnance every month.
According to figures released by the United Nations, more than 1,690 civilians have been killed and over 3,430 others injured in conflict-related incidents in the first half of the year in the war-torn country. Meanwhile, US officials and Afghan leaders held talks to discuss issues pertaining to US-Afghan Civilians Assistance Review and the presidential elections.
US Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Alice Wells and President Ashraf Ghani also discussed the peace process and the success and results of the Consultative Loya Jirga for Peace.