KABUL, Aug. 19 -- Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Sunday announced a conditional three-month ceasefire with the Taliban starting on Monday.
"As we approach Eid-ul-Adha ... we announce a ceasefire that would take effect from Monday, the day of Arafa, till the day of the birth of the prophet (PBUH), Milad-un-Nabi, provided that the Taliban reciprocate," Ghani told a gathering celebrating the Independence Day.
The Afghan leader also called on Taliban leadership to welcome the wishes of Afghans for a long lasting and real peace.
"We urge the Taliban leadership to get ready for peace talks based on Islamic values and principles," Ghani said, adding that the Afghan government has removed "all obstacles for a long lasting peace through these uNPRecedented steps."
However, the Taliban group, which has repeatedly rejected an offer for peace talks with the Afghan government, has yet to react to President Ghani's offer for ceasefire.
In June, the Afghan government announced a 17-day ceasefire to encourage the Taliban group to support the national reconciliation process.
Reciprocating the government step, the Taliban announced a three-day truce during Eid-ul-Fitr which marked end of fasting month.
Beijing cabbies fear loss of business
Red Cross to be open, transparent
Gadget could be an aid for the elderly
Django Unchained returns to cinemas
Domestic violence by men 'shocking': survey
Volunteer team helping students find sense of normalcy
Shuttlecocks to cost more due to H7N9
Tainted rice scandal hits Guangzhou eateries
Fake-condom factory busted in Fujian
Monorail to ease Shanghai's congestion
Home truths concerning Detroit's cheap housing
Lawyers get an advocate
Chinese soldiers clear mines, win hearts
Death of girl at mall triggers large protest
Death toll reaches 26 in Baoxing
Fiji's PM sees opportunity in China
DPRK takes a break to celebrate birthday of founder Kim Il-sung
Cooperation boosts war on drugs along Mekong
No joy for Yahoo China as e-mail service to close
Voyage to Mars has its skeptics
Deaths prompt concerns over elevator safety
China Eastern tests flight using biofuel
Truck driver's organs save five lives in Wuhan
Copyrights take a bite out of Apple
Hunt continues for survivors of Bangladesh building collapse
Apple losing its sweetness, edge?
Anhui tightens rules covering historic buildings
Hollande's visit expected to open new chapter
H7N9 outbreak linked to waterfowl migration
Man jailed for pirating Mo's works