Ghani calls for nationaldialogue to address challenges

KABUL (Tolo News): Former president Ashraf Ghani in an audio message on the occasion of Nowruz called for a national dialogue in the country to address the humanitarian and economic challenges and to achieve lasting stability.
He also mentioned seven areas to address the challenges. He said the country is now at a critical juncture and if the situation is not managed properly, the past’s mistakes will be repeated. “It is necessary to start a national dialogue and reach a conclusion,” he said. “God willing, we have physical property and assets and also the capacity by which we can free ourselves from poverty.”
Transparent management of international humanitarian aid, peace and reconciliation in the country to reach stability, a national consensus for legitimacy, paving the way for all Afghans’ participation in the government, using domestic sources to become self-reliant, adopting a neutral policy, and implementing major national and regional projects are the approaches he mentioned. He said if implemented, these steps will address the problems in the country.
“If we repeat the past’s mistakes, do not accept each other, and rely on exclusion and elimination, bad events will be repeated and the war will restart,” he said. “The alternative way is the way of acceptance and national unity, concentration on economic evolution, and seeking national, regional and international legitimacy.”
A number of analysts said Ghani’s suggestions and approaches are academic and good, but they stressed that he himself did not put into practice such abstract ideas during his presidency. Sayed Javad Sajjadi, an international analyst, said: “In principle, we should accept logical and fundamental remarks without considering who is saying it. Legally and politically Ashraf Ghani has a right to express his idea about big issues of the country. But morally, considering his past, he is not in such a position.”
“This message’s content is good. But Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai’s behavior during his presidency was completely against his new suggestions,” Wais Nasiri, a political analyst said. The Islamic Emirate has yet to comment on Ghani’s remarks.