Former Balkh governor Atta Mohammad Noor at a ceremony commemorating death anniversary of Mohammad Qasim Fahim in Balkh said that he would not allow Afghan President Ashraf Ghani to lead the country beyond the end of his term in early June.
According to Noor, the president himself exclaimed to rule out after his term came to an end. But if he does not, we will not grant him any further time to lead the country, indirectly criticizing the delay on presidential election from its due date in July to September 28.
Noor further said we will support interim government if it’s to facilitate peace in the country, adding Taliban could thus be identified with honor after a comprehensive ceasefire.
“If interim government paves the way for peace in the country, then we support,” he said. “So that with interim government, Taliban could also take part in country’s policy with dignity.”
Meanwhile, former Security Advisor Mohammad Hanif Atmar – who is also a presidential candidate – said after three months Ghani’s leadership will draw an end, thus the country should go for interim government as mandated in the constitution.
“After 1 Jowza (of Afghan calendar, June 2019), any further service of Ghani as president by no means have legitimacy and interim government should be set upon constitution,” he said.
According to Atmar, some 50,000 Afghan forces and civilians have been killed in the country, and roughly 98,000 further wounded in the past five years of Ghani’s presidency.
Atmar criticizing the position of the government at ongoing peace talks between the US and Taliban representatives said, “Best way to answer the current situation is to follow a logical and lasting peace, and they attempt to protect citizens pride and dignity in the process.”
It comes at a time where the Taliban repeatedly have refused to sit with Afghan government for peace in the country.
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