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U.S. Department of State Office of the Spokesman Press Statement

Press Statement by James P. Rubin, Spokesman
March 13, 1999

Afghanistan: Peace Proposal

Former king of Afghanistan Zahir Shah has announced his decision to implement a proposal for peace in Afghanistan by convoking a national assembly or "loya jirga." The former king has instructed some of his advisors to contact the Taliban movement as well as the Northern Alliance to deliver an invitation to participate in this peace process.

The United States welcomes efforts by Afghans, including those undertaken by the former king and other moderates, to bring peace to their country.

The United States has long called on the Afghan factions to declare a cease-fire and, working with the United Nations, negotiate a political settlement resulting in a broad-based, multi-ethnic, representative government that respects international norms of behavior on issues of concern including terrorism, drugs, and human rights, particularly the rights of women and girls. As Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs Karl F. Inderfurth said before the Senate on April 14, 1999:"Only this kind of a government can bring to Afghanistan the peace it so sorely needs."

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