The US special representative for Afghanistan reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad, on Saturday welcomed NATO’s statement focused on “key next steps” for peace and stability in Afghanistan, including a humanitarian ceasefire amid COVID-19 outbreak in the country.

NATO “urged the Taliban to reduce violence, called on the Afghan govt to end the political crisis, and said all sides should move more quickly on prisoner releases,” said Khalilzad.

“How urgently and with what conviction the sides respond to these steps will determine whether Afghanistan moves forward or remains mired in war, poverty, and disease,” said US envoy.

“The US-Taliban agreement provides a historic opportunity for Afghanistan,” Ambassador Khalilzad said, “and our allies, indeed the international community, call on Afghan leaders to put their country and their people first.”

Meanwhile, the US Ambassador to NATO, Kay Bailey Hutchison, in a video message also emphasized the NATO statement, and called for action in Afghanistan so that a "historical" opportunity is not missed.

“The United States and our Allies call on the Taliban to reduce violence and enter into negotiations with the inclusive team that represents the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan,” she said.  
 
The US envoy added that for the past 18 years, the United States and our NATO Allies have stood "shoulder to shoulder" with the people of Afghanistan and the Afghan defense forces fighting for a future of peace and security. 
 
“Never before have we been so close to that goal. Now we have a historic chance to move the peace process forward.  It is time for a unified government of Afghanistan and the Taliban to overcome their differences, seize this opportunity, and grant the people of Afghanistan a sustainable peace,” she added.
 
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation in a statement renewed its appeal to “all Afghan leaders and parties to urgently reduce violence and work for lasting ceasefire.”
 
This comes amid increasing violence by the Taliban in different parts of the country.
 
Figures shown to TOLOnews from security officials and government sources reveal that 98 members of the Afghan security forces lost their lives n Taliban attacks in 14 provinces from April 18 to April 24.
 
At least 70 others have been wounded and more than 10 security force members are missing, according to the sources.
 
Analysts say the increase in violence is a result of uncertainty and delays in the peace process as well as the arrival of the spring fighting season.