The Latest: Iranian leader praises citizens on Eid al-Fitr

By: The Associated Press

Friday, June 15, 2018 12:24 AM

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) The Latest on Eid al-Fitr (all times local):

10:45 a.m.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is addressing the nation during Eid al-Fitr prayers.

He praised citizens for showing up at massive rallies last Friday in support of the Palestinians on al-Quds, or Jerusalem Day. That day was initiated by Iran in 1979 to express support for the Palestinians and oppose Israel.

Says Khamenei: "This year and despite hot weather, people participated in Quds-day rallies more remarkable than previous years."

President Hassan Rouhani said in an Eid al-Fitr message: "I believe the land of Palestine will be returned to owners of the land with the help by god."

___

10:25 a.m.

Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani is touting a three-day cease-fire with the Taliban in an address to the nation heralding the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Fitr.

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 Friday and lasts through the three-day holiday.

Ghani is using the opportunity to appeal for a lengthier cease-fire and call for the Taliban to 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 U.S. before sitting down with the Afghan government.

Across Asia, the faithful are celebrating the end of the holy month in Indonesia, Pakistan, Malaysia and the Philippines.

The Latest: Iranian leader praises citizens on Eid al-Fitr

Malaysian Muslims offer prayers during the first day of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Friday, June 15, 2018. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

The Associated Press

A Muslim boy plays with bubbles as he attends Eid al-Fitr prayers to mark the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan in Bali, Indonesia, Friday, June 15, 2018. (AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati)

The Associated Press

Iraqi security forces stand guard outside the 17th Ramadan mosque, background, as Muslims gather for prayers on the first day of Eid al-Fitr in Baghdad, Iraq, Friday, June 15, 2018. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the Muslims' holy fasting month of Ramadan. (AP Photo/Karim Kadim)

The Associated Press

Muslims greet each other after offering prayers on the first day of Eid al-Fitr at the 17th Ramadan mosque in Baghdad, Iraq, Friday, June 15, 2018. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the Muslims' holy fasting month of Ramadan. (AP Photo/Karim Kadim)

The Associated Press

Indonesian Muslims offer Eid al-Fitr prayers to mark the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan as Mount Merapi is seen in the background at Sleman, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, Friday, June 15, 2018. (AP Photo/Slamet Riyadi)

The Associated Press

Children stand amidst Filipino Muslims praying to celebrate the end of the holy month of Ramadan known as Eid al-Fitr Friday, June 15, 2018 at the Blue Mosque in suburban Taguig city, east of Manila, Philippines. Muslims all over the world mark Eid al-Fitr with prayers, family reunions and gift-givings. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)

The Associated Press

Filipino Muslims pray to celebrate the end of the holy month of Ramadan known as Eid al-Fitr Friday, June 15, 2018 at the Blue Mosque in suburban Taguig city, east of Manila, Philippines. Muslims all over the world mark Eid al-Fitr with prayers, family reunions and gift-givings. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)

The Associated Press

A Muslim boy waits for parents offer prayers during the first day of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Friday, June 15, 2018. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

The Associated Press

A Palestinian boy wearing a traditional uniform stands in front of Muslim women performing Eid al-Fitr prayers, marking the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan, in Eastern Gaza City, Friday, June 15, 2018. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

The Associated Press