KABUL (SW): President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani has said judiciary is sovereign to deliver its ruling in a case against the first Vice President Abdul Rasheed Dostum related to violence and sexual abuse of a senior politician Ahmad Ishchi.
Ghani was briefing journalists at the Arg (Presidential Palace) about his latest engagements and visits to a number of Central Asian states. He rejected allegations about monopolizing the power, and charged that those levelling such allegations have no agenda to offer, and are hence indulging in personal blame game. He urged governor of Balkh province Atta Mohammad Noor to act responsibly in the wake of various issues.
About the peace process, the President urged the Taliban that time in not on their side. He said dialogue with Pakistani is pivotal before talking to the Taliban in this regard. Ghani cited the example of peace deal with the Hezb-e-Islami as a successful example of effective intra-Afghan dialogue. The President urged Pakistan to strive for peace in Afghanistan that would also bring positive change in the lives of at least 60 million people in Pakistan itself. He also expressed optimism about the new U.S. strategy for Afghanistan.
Ghani urged the government of Iran that the water management initiative in Afghanistan is a positive development, and it should not be turned into a conflicted matter. He stressed the National Unity Government (NUG) is determined to secure and best utilize the wealth of natural resources including water. The President noted plans are in place to secure and properly manage 18 billion cubic meter water resources of the country.
The President further said the Afghan Air Force (AAF) would be turned into an effective and comprehensive force by 2020. About economic uplift, Ghani said the CASA-1000 project alone would create investment opportunities worth one billion dollar.
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