Pompeo: "Agreement with Taliban is a Test of Peace... Meaningless if Not Fulfilled"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on the 29th (local time) called the signing of the peace agreement between the United States and the Afghan armed group Taliban "a true test for achieving lasting peace in Afghanistan." However, he warned that the agreement would be meaningless if the Taliban did not comply and urged the implementation of the agreement.

After attending the signing ceremony of the peace agreement held in Doha, Qatar, Secretary Pompeo said, "We will closely monitor the Taliban's compliance with their promises and adjust the pace of U.S. troop withdrawal," adding, "This is to ensure that Afghanistan is never again used as a base for international terrorist organizations." Although Secretary Pompeo attended the signing ceremony between the representatives of both negotiating parties, he did not sign the agreement himself.

He emphasized, "We are only at the starting point," and stressed that serious efforts and sacrifices from all parties, including the United States, the Taliban, the Afghan government, and the Afghan people, are necessary to maintain comprehensive and lasting peace. He also said, "If we do not take concrete actions on the promises we made, this agreement will be meaningless, and today's good feelings will not last."

Secretary Pompeo demanded that the Taliban sever ties with Al-Qaeda and other terrorists and keep their promise to fight the Islamic State (IS). He also urged them to sit down with the Afghan government, political leaders, and civil society to start difficult talks on Afghanistan's political roadmap, emphasizing, "If such measures are taken, we and the international community are ready to respond."

He said, "I know there is a temptation to declare victory," but added, "However, victory for Afghanistan can only be achieved when they can live in peace and prosperity."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.