NATO: Taliban Violence 'Undermines Confidence in Peace'

NATO called on all sides to rapidly start intra-Afghan talks, adding that NATO allies will continue to consult on its military presence to support the peace process.

“An Afghan-owned and led peace process aimed at finding a political resolution that ends decades of conflict is the only way to deliver sustainable peace to the Afghan people and to ensure Afghanistan’s long-term security and stability,” it said, adding that “NATO and its partners are committed to contributing to an environment conducive to this outcome. We call on all sides to rapidly resolve the remaining issues still precluding the start of inclusive intra-Afghan negotiations.”

The statement said that the current level of violence – driven especially by Taliban attacks against Afghan security forces, “remains unacceptably high, causing instability and undermining confidence in the peace process.”