Editor in Chief: Moh. Reza Huwaida Thursday, March 28th, 2024

EU Accuses Taliban of War Crimes, Calls for End to Violence

EU Accuses Taliban of War  Crimes, Calls for End to Violence

KABUL - The European Union (EU) has accused the Taliban of committing war crimes by killing innocent civilians and destroying towns, and called on the group to end the violence.
EU Special Representative to Afghanistan Franz-Michael Skjold Mellbin said that the killing of innocent civilians and the destruction of towns by the Taliban was no longer acceptable.
Mellbin rallied for a diplomatic solution to the ongoing turmoil in Afghanistan.
“The Taliban have committed war crimes, because of the targeting of the Afghan civilians. This of course it is a very sad fact. We continue the calls on the Taliban to stop their attacks against Afghan civilians,” said Mellbin.
Mellbin made the remarks during the Europe Day celebrations in Kabul.
Besides efforts for peace on political fronts, there are also artists promoting peace in the country.
Attia is one such artist who started her drive for peace through art a year ago. She believes that the message of peace conveyed through art will one day occupy the hearts of insurgents.
“Every youth wants to live in peace. We call on the militants not to disrupt our peaceful life,” said Attia.
Meanwhile, the EU envoy also hailed Hekmatyar for joining the peace process.
“Peace agreement with the Hizb-e-Islami was a positive step forward for Afghanistan. I think it sent a very important signal that peace is possible, but it also shows us that peace is difficult, it will not come easy. There are a lot of questions about what happened in the past, a lot of questions of what will happen now,” added Mellbin.
But a number of Kabul residents have also called on the Taliban to stop the bloodshed and to join the peace process.
“How long should we witness war and violence? Come and join peace and do not make our children orphans and stop snatching the sons from their mothers,” a resident of Kabul Roeena said.
Mellbin did however sound optimistic in that he thought peace was possible.
This latest call for peace comes after the Taliban launched its new spring offensive and ramped up attacks and battles across the country. (Tolonews)