Afghan generals in north sign new accord while ceasefire largely holds, UN reports

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) today reported that the ceasefire signed late last week in Balkh has largely held in recent days, while Mazar-i-Sharif is reported to be calm.

“There were three minor breaches of the cease-fire reported in Chimtal and Chahar Bolak districts” lasting for about 10 minutes, UNAMA spokesman Manoel de Almeida e Silva told reporters in Kabul.

On Saturday, a delegation led by Afghan Interior Minister Ahmad Ali Jalali held negotiations with General Abdul Rashid Dostum and General Ustad Atta Mohammad, who signed a new agreement extending their areas of cooperation. Also endorsing that accord were General Juma Khan Hamdard, Minister Jalali and Sultan Ali Sultani. Officials from the United Kingdom, United States and the UN signed as witnesses.

Asked to characterize the ceasefire's prospects, the spokesman acknowledged the difficult road ahead. “The Thursday agreement is being implemented and we hope that this will continue to be the case for the Thursday agreement and the Saturday agreement,” he said. “However, as you know, the north does not have a good record of implementing their agreements so we have to keep our hope but we have to be cautious.”

“We have to keep reminding the leadership in the north that they are responsible for their people and their people are tired of violence,” Mr. de Almeida e Silva added. “They deserve a better life and a better life can only be built if there is tranquillity, if there isn't an open conflict.”