KABUL (SW) – Marking 27th anniversary of the Mujahidin’s victory over the former Soviet Union, President Ashraf Ghani on Sunday said time has reached to evaluate high cost of the raging war in the country.
The anniversary was marked at a gathering organized at Arg (presidency) in the presence of CEO Abdullah Abdullah, members of the parliament and other top officials and politicians.
President Ghani said peace would not come in one day, but the National Unity Government has paved way for peace, and there is a need for nationwide consultation with all Afghans about the cost of the war. He added Afghanistan would continue to face troubles unless and until the public and the government have unified stance and approach about future.
He said the people of Afghanistan have acknowledged all the mistakes committed in the past wars, and these mistakes should not be repeated. The President underlined the importance of national unity and the Islamic democratic system in the country.
Speaking on the occasion, Abdullah Abdullah said Afghans want a dignified peace in which the rights and liberties of all Afghans are preserved.
Abdul Rab Rasul Sayaf, a former Jihadi leader, and other speakers also emphasized upon the peaceful resolution of the conflict. They stressed all citizens should unite for peace in the country.
Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, leader of the Hezb-i-Islami party, said on his term the former Soviet Union’s haphazard withdrawal caused troubles, and currently China and Russia are weary about similar exit of the U.S. forces from Afghanistan.
Mohammad Sarwar Danish, second vice president, told the moot that there should be no concerns and ambiguities in regard to the Loya Jirga (grand council) for peace. He said participants at this gathering would share their views with total liberty, and would guide the government’s future strategy.
An estimated 2500 delegates from across the country are set to attend the Loya Jirga for peace in Kabul on Monday.
ENDS
