Turkey hails US-Taliban de-escalation deal
We hope that deal will make way toward lasting peace in war-torn Afghanistan, says Foreign Ministry
ANKARA
Turkey on Saturday welcomed the seven-day reduction in violence in Afghanistan prior to a peace deal between the U.S. and Taliban.
"We hope that the agreement, which is foreseen to be signed between the United States and Taliban, will pave the way to lasting peace that will be attained through inter-Afghan negotiations," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
"We once again stress that for this process to be successfully completed, it must be inclusive in nature encompassing all segments, and everyone should demonstrate a constructive approach," it added.
Ankara invited all international actors, first and foremost regional countries, to provide the necessary support for ensuring peace in Afghanistan.
"In this direction, Turkey will continue to support the friendly and brotherly people of Afghanistan," it added.
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday announced the U.S. and Taliban had reached an agreement to reduce violence across Afghanistan, with a deal set to be signed on Feb. 29.
The initial deal gives the Taliban seven days, starting from Friday night, to refrain from all violence. If the condition is met, the U.S. and Taliban will move forward with a broader, permanent agreement.
