MAZAR-I-SHARIF (SW): Abdullah Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Unity Government (NUG) has said the government backs political coalitions in the country in which people are allowed to play key role.
He said this while addressing a gathering to mark the ‘Martyrs’ Weeks’ in Mazar-i-Sharif on Saturday. Abdullah said the Constitution allows such alliances, and they help promote good governance in the country. “The Constitution has allowed formation of political alliances. And, those alliances that are formed to ensure peace, bring reforms, rule of law and justice are not banned. Each one of such [alliances] have played role in the history of this country, and still have considerable impact”, he said.
Governor of Balkh province Atta Mohammad Noor who is also member of the high council of the Afghanistan Salvation Alliance (ASA), criticized the performance of the NUG on the occasion. He said the ASA has been formed to monitor the working of the NUG. Noor charged that there are individuals within the government that are working against national interests and weakening democracy that has also resulted in increased insecurity.
“After witnessing shortcomings in the system and movements against democratic system, and increased violence and insecurity, three main political fronts (Jamiat-e-Islami Afghanistan, Junbish-e-Mili Afghanistan and Hezb-e-Wahdat-e-Islami) have formed the Afghanistan Salvation Alliance”, he said. Noor said this alliance would unite all ethnic groups in the country. Abdullah also acknowledged on the occasion that there is lack of unity among the political leaders in the country.
Speaking on the occasion, Ahmad Zia Massoud, former presidential adviser, also harshly criticized the government. Other speakers also urged the NUG to work hard towards realizing the dreams of the martyrs.
ENDS