The warring parties in Afghanistan must end their hostilities and seize the “historic” chance for peace, NATO believes.
In a statement, the 30 Member States call on the Taliban to reduce violence and to come to the negotiating table, as previously agreed with the US.
The Taliban have ignored a government call for a truce during Ramadan. “The current level of violence caused by the Taliban is unacceptable,” said the Western alliance, which is training Afghan security forces.
Political leaders and their supporters in Afghanistan must resolve their disagreements and form a government together, the statement said.
As a gesture of goodwill, NATO encourages both sides to accelerate the release of prisoners and to embrace the call for an immediate ceasefire.
The prospect of negotiating a peace deal offers opportunities to end the decades-long conflict, the alliance said.