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Taliban Rejects Afghan Truce Calls During Ramadan

Ayaz Gul

   ISLAMABAD - The Taliban has turned down calls for a cease-firein
   Afghanistan during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which begins
   Friday. The Afghan government and others had hopedto enable health
   officials to better respond to the "common threat" of the
   coronaviruspandemic.

   A spokesman for the Islamist insurgency argued Thursday that its
   agreement with the United States outlines an internationally endorsed
   "comprehensive framework" on how to promote Afghan peace.

   "If it is implemented [fully], it will take us to a lasting cease-fire
   and peace," tweeted SuhailShaheen,referring to the February 29 landmark
   U.S.-Taliban pact.

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