Differences remain in proposed Ghani, CE plan

Monitoring Desk

KABUL: Presidential Spokesman Sediq Sediqqi said the continuation of the political dispute has had a negative impact on governance and that any type of agreement in this respect will be made within the framework of the law, hinting at reported conditions discussed between the two sides to forge a deal.

The two sides were expected to finalize an agreement on an inclusive government that ensures 50% to each of Ghani’s and Abdullah’s teams, but according to sources from Abdullah’s team differences remain on key government institutions.

These institutions, according to the sources, are Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Interior Affairs and the Attorney General’s Office.

Abdullah’s team has also asked for marshal rank to be given to Gen. Abdul Rashid Dostum, the former vice president and current support of Abdullah’s team. The Presidential Palace has confirmed this but Abdullah’s aides have not commented on this so far.

“On behalf of the Afghan government, I want to give this assurance that the president is fully committed to finding a political solution so that political challenges are solved,” Sediqqi told a press conference on Tuesday.

Analysts, who have been present in some of the meetings between Ghani and Abdullah, said the two sides should not keep people waiting as the country is severely affected by the COVID-19 crisis and an increase in violence.

“They should not keep the Afghan people waiting and I suggest that they reach a national agreement this week in which all sides are involved,” said Shahzada Massoud, an analyst and former presidential advisor.

“It is a shame that the two government leaders are seeking their personal interests rather than national interests and this is concerning,” said Nusrat Haqpal, an analyst.

The political tension emerged after the announcement of the presidential election results in February. Sources told TOLOnews that US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, who visited India, Qatar and Pakistan last week, canceled his trip to Kabul over the continuation of the political rift between Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah. (TOLOnews)