US welcome peace accord between Afghan Govt. and Hezb-e-Islami

The US Embassy in Kabul has welcomed the signing of peace agreement between the Afghan Government and one of the country's largest militant groups Hezb-e-Islami led by Gulbuddin Hekmatyar.

"We welcome today's accord negotiated and concluded by the Government of Afghanistan and Hezb-e Islami Gulbuddin (HIG) as a step in bringing the conflict in Afghanistan to a peaceful end," the Khaama Press quoted a statement by the US Embassy as saying.

The statement added that Washington continues to support Afghan-led, Afghan-owned peace process that results in armed groups ceasing violence, breaking ties with international terrorist groups and accepting the Constitution, including protections for women and minorities.

The draft peace agreement between the Afghan Government and Hezb-e-Islami party was signed yesterday.

Afghan National Security Adviser Mohammad Hanif Atmar signed the agreement on behalf of the government while Mohammad Amin Karim signed the agreement on behalf of Hezb-e-Islami.

The agreement was signed after almost six months of continued negotiations between the two.