Afghan president touts cease-fire in Eid address  

Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani on Friday touted a three-day cease-fire with the Taliban in an address to the nation heralding the Islamic holiday of Eid-ul-Fitr, according to AP.

The holiday marks the end of the Ramadan holy month, when devout Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset.

The cease-fire took effect at midnight Thursday and lasts through the three-day holiday.

Ghani is using the opportunity to appeal for a lengthier cease-fire and call for the Taliban come to the negotiating table instead of returning to the battlefield.

The Taliban agreed to the cease-fire but leader Haibaitullah Akhunzada reiterated his demand for talks with the US before sitting down with the Afghan government.