KABUL (SW) – The U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan, John R. Bass, has said no Afghan should put personal or political interests ahead of the national interest here.
The United States called for calm in Mazar-i-Sharif, and surrounding areas. Afghan security forces are tasked with protecting the Afghan people, not fighting each other over political disputes, he tweeted.
In a series of tweets, he said Americans and Afghans have stood shoulder to shoulder to fight terror, build better future for Afghanistan.
“Corruption and misuse of equipment, funds, and other support provided by the American people dishonors the memory of our fallen. So do any Afghans who put their personal or political interests ahead of the national interest and the opportunity right now to achieve the goal for which so many have sacrificed”.
He called on leaders to tell military and police forces to stand down, and for political leaders on both sides of this dispute to put the Afghan people first. “We call on the parties involved to quickly and peacefully resolve this dispute in a way that gives Afghan citizens confidence in their leadership and strengthens security. Asserting authority by force of arms takes Afghanistan’s democracy backwards”.
The Ambassador said green on green violence is unacceptable. “The only ones who benefit from this violence are the Taliban”.
Meanwhile, the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan called on all parties to deescalate tensions immediately, find a non-violent solution to solve current differences, and prioritize the safety and security of the city’s residents in Balkh
ENDS
