The European Union and the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in the statements on Tuesday wecalled on the Taliban to reduce violence and work for bringing peace to Afghanistan.   

The EU welcomed the agreement by the Afghan political leaders on an inclusive negotiating team, saying the move is a step forward towards the start of the intra-Afghan talks. It also called on the Taliban to reduce violence.

“We also call on the Taliban to show genuine commitment to peace negotiations and to reduce violence and engage in meaningful discussions on a ceasefire, as per the Doha Agreement,” said the EU statement.

 “This constitutes an important step towards starting intra-Afghan negotiations and solving the domestic political crisis. We offer our full support to the newly established team. We encourage all political leaders to promote the effective participation of women, youth and victims,” the EU statement said.

 Meanwhile, The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Dr. Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen, also appealed to all leaders and parties in Afghanistan to work together for an urgent and lasting ceasefire and an end to violence.

The OIC chief urged all Afghan parties to engage in dialogue in order to reach comprehensive reconciliation and lasting peace within the framework of an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process.

“In these critical circumstances, which require support, solidarity and national unity to combat the Covid-19 pandemic, the Secretary General stressed the need for all leaders and parties to support the preventive efforts and measures taken by the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to curb the spread of the disease and protect its citizens from the spread of the epidemic,” the OIC said in a statement.

 This comes as the Taliban have increased attacks on Afghan security forces in multiple fronts across the country.

The Afghan government however has warned the Taliban of a continued violence, saying the Afghan security forces could return to the "active defense" mode if the Taliban attacks continue.

“Unfortunately, the Afghan people have suffered a continued violence, we did not see even a minor commitment from the Taliban for peace,” said Sediq Sediqqi, a spokesman for President Ashraf Ghani.

“The Taliban have kept their attacks on the Afghan security and defense forces, but these attacks are pushed back by a resolute response by the Afghan security forces,” said Fawad Aman, deputy spokesman to Ministry of Defense. 

On Monday, at least 25 members of the Afghan security forces were killed in Taliban attacks in Takhar, Zabul and Baghlan provinces.

“Over the past 24 hours, the Taliban launched attacks in three districts including Qaisar, Almar and Bilcheragh, but they were pushed back,” said Jawed Besharat, a spokesman for the Baghlan police.

Violence has significantly increased in the north, northeastern, south and the east of the country.