Peace offer doesn’t mean the war ends: Mattis

KABUL (Afghanistan): United States (US) secretary of defense James Mattis met with Afghan president Ashraf Ghani and chief executive officer (CEO) Abdullah Abdullah on Tuesday in the Afghan capital, Mattis emphasised that the recent peace offer does not eliminate the need for offensive operations against the Taliban, and noted the importance of continued Afghan national defense and security forces progress on the battlefield.

According to an official statement, secretary Mattis praised Ghani’s recent offer to negotiate with the Taliban without preconditions. He noted Ghani’s diplomatic approach achieved a level of international support not possible with military action alone.

Mattis offered his full support to the Afghan-led reconciliation process, aimed at achieving lasting peace in Afghanistan. 

They discussed the south Asia strategy and US’ commitments to Afghanistan.

Ghani and Abdullah thanked the US and coalition partners for their ongoing support and past sacrifices. They reaffirmed their commitment to forge a durable peace alongside regional and international partners.

The two Afghan leaders reinforced that the recent Taliban peace offer without preconditions was genuine, and they are ready to embrace all who are willing to reconcile.