Jeddah, Ramadan 26, 1439, Jun 11, 2018, SPA -- The Organization of Islamic Cooperation welcomed the ceasefire declared by the President of Afghanistan and the Taliban leadership and urged for making it a permanent one. The President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan announced an eight-day ceasefire from the 27 of Ramadan until the fifth day of Eid-Al-Fitr following the Fatwa issued by the broad Afghan Ulema gathering on 4 June 2018, which was interrupted by a deplorable terrorist suicide attack resulting in death of scores of innocent people, seven of them Ulemas. The Taliban leadership also issued a declaration of ceasefire during three days of Eid-Al-Fitr. "The Muslim Ummah, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation commend and welcome the declaration of the Government of Afghanistan and the Taliban and they appeal to the Afghan nation to adhere to the ceasefire call in line with sense of respect for divine principles of Islam and patriotism..." said Dr. Yousef Al-Othaimeen, Secretary General of the OIC. The Secretary General also underlined: "The noble Afghan nation is tired and has been losing blood of innocent children as a result of decades-long internecine conflict imposed upon them, and it is high time for all Afghans to lay down arms and engage in constructive dialogue towards restoration of lasting peace, security and stability, essential for rebuilding their devastated country." He assured the government and people of Afghanistan that the OIC will stand firmly behind them as they march towards the path of peace and reconciliation. --SPA 12:33 LOCAL TIME 09:33 GMT 0012 www.spa.gov.sa/w702130