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Taliban, Afghan President Declare 3-Day Eid Cease-Fire

Ayaz Gul

   ISLAMABAD - The Taliban have announced a temporary cease-fire in
   Afghanistan during the three-day Muslim festival of Eid al-Fitr
   starting Sunday, a move the United States hailed as "a momentous
   opportunity" to advance peace efforts in the war-torn country.

   Afghan President Ashraf Ghani quickly reciprocated the insurgent
   announcement by ordering government forces to observe their own truce
   during the festivities, which mark the end of Islamic fasting month of
   Ramadan.

   "In order that our countrymen may celebrate their Eid festivities in
   ease and comfort, the leadership of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan
   orders all the mujahedeen '¦ not to attack the enemy in any place," a
   Taliban statement said.

   The Islamist group instructed its fighters, however, to give "a
   befitting defensive response" if they come under attack from Afghan
   forces anywhere in the country.

   The Taliban statement, however, barred members from going into
   government-controlled areas during the festivities, or allowing Afghan
   forces to come into insurgent-held territory, for that matter.

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