Karzai lashes out at US over current crisis

Monitoring Desk

KABUL: A day after twin inauguration ceremonies were held in Kabul by President Ghani and his rival Abdullah Abdullah, former president Hamid Karzai in a statement called the current situation “concerning” and said it is a consequence of US policies and the US’s “insulting” and “divisive” treatment towards the people of Afghanistan.

Karzai says the proof of his claim can be seen in the statement by the US State Dept about the twin inauguration ceremonies in Kabul.

Karzai says the US could have prevented divisions and political instability by making constructive and on-time moves ahead of the inauguration ceremonies if it was sincere about seeking an end to the crisis.

In a statement, US State Department said the United States is engaged “in intensive efforts for peace” in Afghanistan.

“We welcome President Ghani’s statement at his inauguration March 9 that discussions and negotiations will continue for the next two weeks to come to an agreement on an inclusive government which unifies the country and prioritizes peace,” the statement said.

Karzai said he has often expressed his concerns about Afghanistan’s situation in his meetings with US officials.

“In all my meetings with US officials in recent months, especially with US special envoy (ZalmayKhalilzad), I expressed my deep concern about the lack of sincerity and transparency in the US’s policies regarding moving the election process forward and parts of the peace process,” Karzai says in the statement.

Referring to his meetings with US officials, Karzai said: “I have reiterated that the election and peace should result in strengthening national unity and stability in the country and in the establishment of a legitimate and powerful national government.”

Karzai added that under the current situation, there is a need for unity among Afghans so that they “foil plots” from abroad.

But he reiterated that he is sure the country will overcome the crisis with “pride.”(TOLOnews)