BEIRUT, August 14. /TASS/: Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has said that consultations on a ceasefire between government forces and the Taliban movement (outlawed in Russia) are underway.
"Consultations are ongoing, and the results will be shared with you soon," he said in a televised address on Saturday. The president stressed that it was essential to find a political solution that would guarantee lasting peace and stability.
According to the head of state, extensive consultations are being held with the government, political leaders and international partners. He also noted that the remobilization of the country's armed forces was a "top priority."
Ghani’s statements were made in the wake of the mass surrender of Afghan troops to advancing Taliban militants.
After the US announced the end of its military operation in Afghanistan and the beginning of troop withdrawal, the Taliban launched an offensive against government forces. According to various reports, its members control up to 85% of Afghanistan’s territory, including areas on the border with Iran, China, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. The Taliban have captured more than half of the country’s provincial capitals, including the city of Puli Alam, just 50 kilometers away from Kabul.
