Afghanistan Extends Cease-fire with Taliban as Fighters Celebrate Eid with Civilians by Pamela Constable – Washington Post
HERAT, Afghanistan - President Ashraf Ghani ordered the extension Saturday of a first-time cease-fire with Taliban insurgents, offered to provide medical treatment to injured Taliban fighters and announced that 46 Taliban prisoners had been released Friday as a sign of official goodwill.
In a solemn speech from his palace in Kabul, Ghani said that his government was ready for “comprehensive peace and talks” and that he would be willing to discuss all Taliban concerns, including “the future role of international troops” in the country. He did not say how long the extension would last.
Ghani’s dramatic announcement aimed to build on the extraordinary success of the cease-fire’s first day Friday, in which thousands of Taliban fighters poured into cities and towns across the country and joined civilians and security officials in celebrating the Eid holiday that follows Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting…