Spanish defense minister hails ceasefire in Afghan province

MADRID, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Spanish Defense Minister Carme Chacon on Monday hailed the ceasefire agreement with Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan's northwestern Badghis province, where Spanish troops are based.

Chacon, who is visiting Afghanistan and met for the first time with Afghan President Hamid Karzai, said the news was positive and the Spanish troops "will keep the guard and alert."

She said Karzai told her about the expectations of extending the ceasefire agreement to the entire Afghan territory.

The biggest danger for the Spanish troops in Badghis is not the Taliban but the "masters of war" who are related to organized crimes and drug trafficking, she said.

Chacon also said she hopes her visit could convey her country's support to Afghanistan which will hold presidential elections on Aug. 20.

Her visit to Afghanistan coincided with the largest offensive made by the U.S. troops since military operations began in 2001.