NATO calls for unity approach in Afghanistan

Monitoring Desk

KABUL: NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg in a press conference on Wednesday stressed that there is a need for Afghan unity and a united approach to start the peace talks with the Taliban.

“Of course we are aware of the political crisis in Kabul and of course we urge the political actors in Kabul to find a solution, because we need a strong government we need a unity approach from the Afghans in engaging with the Taliban to have real peace negotiations,” said Stoltenberg.

Meanwhile, a number of members of the Wolesi Jirga, in the Afghan parliament, say that considering that Afghanistan is in a bad situation already in terms of security, the economy and the social situation, continuing divisions between Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah will lead the country to crisis. “We call on both Ghani and Abdullah to fear God,” said Ustad Hanif, a parliament member.

“The problem of the Afghan people is the political differences which really disappoint the people,” said Fazl Karim Aimaq, a parliament member.

The Presidential Palace has recently appointed a number of figures to various government posts, and Omid Maisam, one of Abdullah Abdullah’s spokespeople, warns that any provocative action would endanger the situation of the country. “Any provocative action in the current situation could affect the current negotiation process,” said Maisam.

But the Presidential Palace says it is trying to create an inclusive government and will continue the process of nominating new ministers.

“The president consults with the country’s elders every day, and a number of ministers are nominated, and the process continues,” said Daw Dawa Khan Menapal, a deputy spokesman for President Ashraf Ghani.

The disagreement between Ghani and Abdullah continues as a number of Afghan politicians and US representatives have met with Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah several times to resolve the country’s political crisis. The US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, after a fruitless meeting meeting with Ghani and Abdullah, announced that a billions dollars worth of US aid to Afghanistan will be cut. (TOLOnews)