KABUL (SW) – Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah has said overwhelming majority of Afghans want peace, and the opportunity should be seized if it arises.
He was speaking today on the occasion of the eighth anniversary of the assassination of Abdul Mutalleb Baig, a member of the parliament and a jihadist commander. Abdullah said the way to peace is through talks with the peoples’ representatives, and continuation of war would only cause further destruction.
The Chief Executive called the casualties of the security forces and civilians as unacceptable, and added that those who are at war with the Afghan people should know they would never win on the battlefield. They cannot win the war.
Mohammed Sarwar Danesh, the Second Vice President, said the calls for peace are welcomed. He, however, stressed the Afghan government has been advocating peace and security for the past eighteen years, and has shown goodwill, but the other side and their foreign backers have not. He added that in order to achieve peace, one must first start intra-Afghan talks and then declare a ceasefire.
According to Danesh, the country's politicians have different views on the peace process, and a consensus should be struck.
Former vice president, Mohammad Yonus Qanoni also emphasized upon coordination between the government, politicians and the Taliban. He stressed peace without a government is not possible. He warned if the government is rejected by politicians and policy makers, the current crisis will continue.
ENDS
