WASHINGTON: The US administration, while describing reports of Mullah Omar’s death as credible, has urged the Taliban to stay engaged with the Afghan government.

“We encourage the Taliban to use this time of transition to make genuine peace with the Afghan government and rebuild their lives in peace in Afghanistan,” Deputy State Department Spokesperson Mark Toner told Dawn on Thursday.

He said that the reported departure of the rebel leader had created a new opportunity for the Taliban to join the process of restoring peace and stability to their war-torn country.

“They can accept the government of Afghanistan’s invitation to join a peace process and ultimately become part of the legitimate political system of a sovereign, united Afghanistan, supported by the international community. Or, they can choose to continue fighting Afghans and destabilising their own country,” the US official said.

“The United States continues to support an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process as the surest way to end violence and ensure lasting stability in Afghanistan and the region,” he added.

“We and our international partners will continue to strongly support Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and the National Unity Government to improve Afghanistan’s security, continue to target terrorists, and preserve the gains we’ve made together over the last 13 years.”

Asked if the US government knew about Mullah Omar’s death before authorities in Kabul announced it on Wednesday, Mr Toner said: “We can’t comment on your question.”

Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2015

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