As violence surges in Afghanistan, NATO warns Taliban attacks undermine faltering pea
 

As violence surges in Afghanistan, NATO warns Taliban attacks undermine faltering peace process
By: Jamie McIntyre - Senior Writer for Washington Examiner - 07-15-20
Re: https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/p...-peace-process

‘VIOLENCE UNACCEPTABLY HIGH’: As Afghanistan reels from another deadly attack that killed 11 Afghan intelligence workers and wounded 60 civilians, NATO has issued a stark warning that the Taliban are failing to keep their promise in a February agreement to reduce the overall level of violence in return for the withdrawal of U.S. troops.

“The current level of violence — driven especially by Taliban attacks against Afghan National Defense and Security Forces — remains unacceptably high, causing instability and undermining confidence in the peace process,” said the statement issued by NATO’s North Atlantic Council, which urged the Taliban and the Afghan government to “fulfill their commitments.”

“Recent heinous attacks targeting civilians, including women, children, civil society members, religious figures, and health care workers throughout Afghanistan underscore the urgency of fulfilling these critical commitments,” NATO said.

“We echo the call of the United Nations for the Taliban to agree to a humanitarian ceasefire that applies to all sides. … It is time for all parties to seize this moment for peace.”

‘THE US HONORS ITS OBLIGATIONS’: The Pentagon avoided calling out the Taliban directly in a statement marking 135 days since the signing of a joint declaration that was supposed to be followed by inter-Afghan peace talks. In return, the United States pledged to withdraw thousands of troops by mid-summer, a commitment it says it has now met.

“As stipulated in the agreement, the United States agreed to reduce its forces in Afghanistan to 8,600 and withdraw from five bases. We have met this obligation,” said Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman. “U.S. forces in Afghanistan remain in the mid-8,000s, and five bases formerly occupied by U.S. forces have been transferred to our Afghan partners.”

The U.S. has now paused the withdrawal as it waits for the promised reduction in violence and peace talks that have failed to materialize in the 4 1/2 months since the agreement was signed.

“U.S. military presence in Afghanistan remains focused on capabilities — not numbers. We maintain the capabilities and authorities necessary to protect ourselves, our Allies and partners, and U.S. national interests,” Hoffman said. “The United States honors its obligations. All sides should reduce violence and embark on intra-Afghan negotiations capable of achieving a negotiated and lasting peace for Afghanistan.”

CIVILIAN DEATHS RISE: Government statistics show the number of civilians killed and wounded in attacks has risen since the Feb. 29 agreement was signed, according to Afghanistan’s Tolo news. Casualties dropped to 350 the month before the agreement as the Taliban pulled back as a precondition, but as soon as the ink was dry, their attacks resumed, and the numbers increased to 669 from April 20 to May 20 and 595 between May 21 and June 20, though the figure includes attacks by ISIS as well as the Taliban.

“Violence has been high, especially in recent days & weeks. Afghans continue to die in large numbers for no reason,” tweeted U.S. Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad after the Monday attack. “The Taliban's attack ... in a provincial capital contradicts their commitment to reduce violence until a permanent ceasefire is reached in intra-Afghan talks.”

“The use of major explosives to detonate a vehicle in a provincial capital is unacceptable and will strengthen those who oppose peace and plays into the hands of spoilers. All sides must reduce violence,” he said.

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Another report: Re: https://www.rferl.org/a/warlord-accu.../30727645.html

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