KABUL (SW) – The Wolesi Jirga (lower house) on Monday witnessed heated debate over recent remarks by speaker Mir Rehman Rehmani for establishment of an interim government.
On Sunday, Rehmani announced formation of the house’s ‘Peace Commission’ and chaired its first meeting. At the meeting, Rahmani said that a draft of the ‘interim government’ or the ‘peace government’ was at their disposal and although there were some glitches it, but since it supported the survival of the system hence he backed it.
Rahmani’s remarks were met with reactions at today’s session.
A number of members of the house described his remarks as his personal views, but a number of others endorse him.
Maryam Sama, a female member of the house, said that the citizens of the country have a bitter experience of interim government. She said the current government is the result of the many sacrifices, and maintaining it means honoring the blood of the victims.
“Do you not understand this great value? If so, respectfully and honorably resign from this important position”, she urged Rehmani.
But, a number of other members of the house considered it the right of every citizen of the country to declare their support for an interim government.
“Sabotaging the peace process for the sake of a seat and the power of a few people cannot be linked to the people of Afghanistan,” said Khan Agha Rezaei, a member of the house. “You all know that we need peace. Between 50 and 70 soldiers are martyred every day”, he said.
Rahmani, the speaker of the house, said in response to reactions from members of parliament that his remarks had been misinterpreted.
The newly formed ‘Peace Commission’ is set to consult with the High Council of National Reconciliation, the Ministry of State for Peace and government’s peace delegation to identify the root causes of the stalemate in the peace talks and draw up a comprehensive plan.
ENDS
