The Taliban and the United States on Saturday signed a peace agreement to end 18 years of conflict in Afghanistan.
As per the joint statement released by the US and Afghan governments, the US and NATO would withdraw all troops in Afghanistan within 14 months if the Taliban upheld its commitments.
The plan is “subject to the Taliban’s fulfilment of its commitments under the US-Taliban agreement,” the agreement read.
Doha, Qatar: United States of America & Taliban sign ‘agreement for bringing peace to Afghanistan’. #AfghanPeaceDeal pic.twitter.com/5iRqEAAsIM
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“The United States reaffirms its commitments regarding support for the Afghan security forces and other government institutions, including through ongoing efforts to enhance the ability of Afghan security forces to deter and respond to internal and external threats, consistent with its commitments under existing security agreements between the two governments,” the joint declaration read, as reported by Tolo News.
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As per the declaration, the US will reduce the number of US military forces in Afghanistan to 8,600 and implement other commitments in the US-Taliban agreement within 135 days of the announcement of this joint declaration and the US-Taliban agreement.
Ahead of signing the deal, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said: “We will closely watch Taliban for their compliance with their commitments and calibrate the pace of our withdrawal with their actions. This is how we will ensure that Afghanistan never again serves as a base for international terrorists.”
India’s Ministry of External Affairs said Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla, who is in Kabul, conveyed India’s support for enduring and inclusive peace and reconciliation to Afghan leadership.
“In his meetings with Afghan leadership, Foreign Secretary conveyed India’s support for enduring and inclusive peace and reconciliation which is Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled. He underscored that sustainable peace in Afghanistan requires an end to externally sponsored terrorism,” the MEA said.
(With inputs from ANI)