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US urges peace talks between Taliban, Afghan government

WASHINGTON, July 31 (KUNA) -- The US on Thursday urged the Taliban to seize the "opportunity" to make peace with the Afghan government, after Pakistan made the announcement that the two sides have delayed their talks, following the revelation that Taliban founder Mullah Omar had died nearly two years ago.
"It's clearly a moment of opportunity. And we would encourage the Taliban to use this time of opportunity to make genuine peace with the Afghan government and to rebuild their lives and peace in Afghanistan," State Department Deputy Spokesperson Mark Toner told reporters.
"They can accept the government of Afghanistan's invitation to join a peace process and ultimately become part of the legitimate political system of a sovereign, united Afghanistan, supported by the international community," he said, "or, they can choose to continue fighting Afghans and destabilizing their own country." Toner stressed "the time is right for these reconciliation talks to move forward." He praised Pakistan's "helpful role in this reconciliation process," and said the US wants "to see them play that constructive role." (end) ys.ibi