Afghanistan may extend ceasefire with Taliban

Kabul June 20 (IANS) Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani has said the government is prepared to extend the ceasefire for one year if the Taliban leadership is ready for a three-day ceasefire extension the media reported.
Ghani made the remarks during a meeting with members of a Helmand peace convoy who arrived in Kabul on Tuesday Khaama Press reported on Wednesday.
He also emphasised that the government announced the ceasefire based on the fatwa of the religious clerics which reflected the will of the entire nation.
Ghani said the Taliban group should believe in intra-Afghan talks and said the government was fully prepared for the negotiations.
He told the members of the Helmand peace convoy that he was prepared to go anywhere for peace talks.
Ghani also urged the members of the peace convoy to visit Taliban leader Mullah Hebatullah and ask him for peace and reconciliation.

--IANS and/mr