US House of Representatives Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi has welcomed Washington’s deal with the Taliban as an important initial step toward advancing security and stability in Afghanistan.
In a statement, Pelosi, however, said that many significant additional steps remain to achieve comprehensive and enduring peace, including intra-Afghan negotiations between “Afghan political leaders, the Taliban and civil society to advance a political settlement and permanent, sustainable ceasefire agreement.”
She also called for participation of women in peace talks.
“Afghan women must be at the negotiating table and their voices must be heard,” Pelosi said.“The participation of women in the peace process is critical for the security, economy and governance of Afghanistan.”
“We cannot afford to turn back from or lose ground on the important advancements made by and for women and girls in Afghanistan.”
Pelosi said that the US Congress continues to stand by the Afghan people “in our shared mission to advance a future of security, stability, peace and prosperity for all in the country and region.”
“We must do everything we can to keep our troops safe and bring them home, and to give peace a chance,” Pelosi said.
