Monitoring Desk
KABUL: Celebratory messages from foreign missions and others to Afghanistan on Friday, which is Nawroz, the first day of the solar year, called for greater efforts for peace by ending political discord, and urged more attention to fighting the coronavirus outbreak in the country.
So far, 24 positive cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Afghanistan.
US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad, in his message on Nawroz called on Afghan politicians to reach an agreement on an inclusive government.
Khalilzad said the best gift Afghan leaders can give the country in the solar new year is to reach an agreement on an “inclusive government” to end the political crisis, take the “needed steps” to take advantage of a “historic opportunity for peace,” and to work together—including the Taliban—to contain and take care of the people from the scourge of the coronavirus.
The British Ambassador to Kabul Alison Blake said the world is facing an unprecedented challenge and “we need to come together and put aside political and all differences to tackle it.”
She reiterated that the UK stands with Afghanistan and its people.
NATO Senior Civilian Representative to Afghanistan, Nicholas Kay, also called for efforts to end the political crisis in the country. “My hope this Nawroz is that Afghan people will have their wishes come true. They wish to see their political leaders unite themselves and unite the country in the interests of peace and fighting the coronavirus,” Kay said.
He called on the Taliban “to respect the wishes of the Afghan people to have a humanitarian pause in the combat so the country can unite and fight the coronavirus together.”
EU ambassador in Kabul, Pierre Mayaudon, wished a prosperous year for Afghans and said unity is crucial at this moment.
“We know that peace has never been so close but for this peace to correspond to your aspirations, to be a peace of freedom and dignity for all Afghans, it is absolutely crucial that you are united, you put national interests first and you stay firm in defending and promoting the gains of the last 19 years. In this endeavor, you have all the support of the European Union,” the EU envoy said.
“Nevertheless, in the interest of health, your health and the health of your families, I encourage you to follow the instructions provided by the official authorities,” he said, regarding the coronavirus.
The Canadian ambassador to Kabul, Dave Metcalfe, said “this Nawroz brings special meaning to all of us with the prospects for peace within reach.”
“Canada proudly supports the efforts of Afghans for bringing positive change in the country and who fight tirelessly to build prosperity and advance the equal rights of every member of the society,” he said.
He said there could be nothing greater than the achievement of inclusive peace this year.
India’s embassy in Afghanistan, in a message on Twitter, wished Afghans a happy and prosperous Nawroz and recommended to Afghans to stay safe and take all precautions to avoid COVID-19.
Nawroz celebration in Balkh canceled over Coronavirus: The Nawroz festival, which is held every year in the city of Mazar-e-Sharif on the solar new year and usually draws thousands of people, was canceled this year over the coronavirus outbreak in the country.
A customary ceremony was held at the mosque, but the event took place on Thursday night and was not open to the public or journalists, in order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, said Atiqullah Ansari, the director at the Blue Mosque.
“Over 50,000 people usually attend the festival, but the area around the Blue Mosque was empty this year and there were up to 5,000 guests in Balkh this year,” Ansari said.
The Ministry of Public Health on Friday reported two new cases of COVID-19 in Herat, bringing the total to 24. One case has been reported in Balkh.
“All public gatherings have been banned including the Nawroz festive,” said Mohammad Bashir, the deputy governor of Balkh.
Last year, the festival was attended by President Ghani along with thousands of others also celebrating the new year.
“We are not allowed to go to the Blue Mosque,” said Mohammad Sami, a Baghlan resident who had traveled to Balkh.
“Security forces have closed the Blue Mosque, and no one is allowed to go there,” said Arif, a Kabul resident who traveled to Balkh for the Nawroz celebration.(TOLOnews)
