Alice Wells holds talks with Afghan leaders

Monitoring Desk

KABUL: The US Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Alice Wells met with Afghan leaders in Kabul and discussed issues around US-Afghan Civilians Assistance Review and the presidential elections. 

In her meeting with President Ashraf Ghani on Sunday, they discussed US-Afghan Civilians Assistance Review to promote strong governance and self-reliance as proposed by President Ghani in his letter to US President Donald Trump and other issues related to Afghanistan, the Presidential Palace said in a statement.

According to the statement, the two sides also discussed the peace process and preparations for the upcoming presidential elections.

They also discussed the importance of holding the elections in September and the success and results of the Consultative Loya Jirga for Peace, added the statement.

Wells also met with Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah where they discussed the launch of US-Afghan Civilian Assistance Review, peace efforts and timely presidential elections in Afghanistan.

Wells arrived in Kabul on Sunday to participate in the opening of the US-Afghan Civilian Assistance Review.

The US Embassy in Kabul said in a statement that the Review will strengthen Afghan institutions and promote Afghan self-reliance, and is an element of the investment the US makes in the social and economic development of Afghanistan. 

During her visit, Wells will meet with stakeholders of the September 28 Afghan Presidential Elections to learn about ongoing preparations and underscore US commitment to a transparent and efficient presidential elections process, the statement said. 

She will meet with men and women from civil society to hear their views on peace and reaffirm US support for a peaceful, stable Afghanistan, the statement added.  

According to the statement, she will also celebrate Ramadan at an Iftar with Afghan civil society leaders.

Khaama Press adds: Alice Wells, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs met with the commissioners of the Independent Election Commission of Afghanistan to discuss preparations for September presidential elections.

“Ambassador Wells met with the Independent Election Commission (IEC) Commissioners this morning to hear about their preparations for the upcoming presidential elections in September,” the U.S. Embassy in Kabul said in a statement posted on Twitter.

The statement further added “She stressed the importance of a transparent, credible election process, of making swift preparations to complete voter registration, and hiring and training the staff needed to conduct the elections in a timely manner.”

Presidential elections are scheduled for 28th of September this year, according to Independent Election Commission.(TOLONnews)