Kabul - UNAMA welcomes the announcement by the Government of a conditional ceasefire for the upcoming Eid and calls on the parties to the conflict to seize this opportunity to put an end to violence.

“A mutual ceasefire would further the prospects for talks to take place between the parties to the conflict to find a political settlement,” said Tadamichi Yamamoto, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan.

“It is important to seize all opportunities for a negotiated end to the conflict so that all Afghans can enjoy the life of peace they so desperately want and need.”

The past months, with both the previous ceasefire which saved hundreds of lives and numerous citizen mobilisations for peace, have shown that Afghans strongly desire an end to the conflict.

This momentum must be upheld and the strong popular desire for peace must not be betrayed.

The United Nations reiterates that it stands ready to play any role requested by the parties to the conflict to achieve a negotiated peace.