Newly Established Council Seeks Reforms, Stability

Fuente: 
Tolo News
Fecha de publicación: 
18 Dic 2015

A number of ex-Jihadi leaders, former senior government officials and civil society members gathered on Friday to establish the Council of Protection and Stability in Afghanistan in order to find solutions for current challenges and to support the system.

Speakers at the event pointed out some common issues which include an urgent need to bring reforms in electoral bodies, the holding of a Constitutional Loya Jirga (Grand Assembly), finding a consensus for overcoming current challenges, safeguarding the past 14 years' achievements and taking a clear stance on peace talks with the Taliban.

Well-known ex-Jihadi leader Abdul Rab Rassul Sayyaf told delegates present that the current situation has forced them to establish the Council of Protection and Stability in Afghanistan.

Sayyaf said they are trying to save the government and the system; not break it down.

Pointing to the agreement signed between the National Unity Government (NUG) leaders, he said the NUG leaders signed an agreement to hold the Constitutional Loya Jirga (Grand Assembly) to change the Chief Executive post to Prime Minister and to make decisions on upcoming elections.

He went on to say that if the elections and the Loya Jirga are not held, the nation will seek an alternative for the system. "If the Constitutional Loya Jirga is not held, then the traditional Loya Jirga should be held instead," he said.

On the issue of peace talks with the Taliban Sayyaf said it should be clear about who Afghanistan talks to in the peace talks - Pakistan, al-Qaeda or Taliban?

He said that the war is not a war for Islam or infidelity and that the Taliban has affected the image of Islam (by their brutal acts). "We are not against peace and reconciliation in which the honor of Afghanistan is guaranteed. We will support this kind of peace," he reiterated.

"We are in favor of basic reforms in security, economic and other sectors. The nation does not want a repeat of the previous election and there is an urgent need for basic reforms in this regard," he said.

At the same event, Mohammad Younis Qanooni former vice president said they are concerned about the fate and survival of Afghanistan and that plans are being made outside the borders to change Afghanistan into a capital of terrorism.

He said that they are not seeking to break down the system; but they are seeking reforms which are in favor of the people.

He said they want to extend the council and will involve those who see the current situation for what it is and want reforms and an improved situation.

He added that the council is not temporary and that it has plans to run for at least the next four years.

"The decision to establish the council was not an easy decision. We are hopeful about finding solutions for current challenges.

On the issue of peace, he said peace is a necessity in Afghanistan. "We support a clear reconciliation where all Afghans are involved. The council expects peace and reconciliation which involves all Afghans and done based on their interests. There is a need for consensus in all phases of the peace process in Afghanistan," he added.

Meanwhile, the Wolesi Jirga Speaker Abdul Rauf Ibrahimi said the NUG was established based on the situation and that people expected NUG leaders to fulfill their promises, but this has not happened.

He said insecurity has increased and both civilians and security force members are sacrificing their lives every day.

Pointing to current challenges in the country, Ibrahimi said the job market is dwindling and the young generation is complaining about lack of job opportunities.

"Supporting stability, the system, fighting corruption and supporting justice and unity among the nation is important and are goals of the council," he concluded.

Another member of the council, former Interior Minister Mohammad Umer Daudzai said lots of people were interested to join the council. "The council wants further presence of youths in its sessions and activities."

He added that the current war has three reasons: the first is neighbors' problems, internal problems and problems in spending international aid over the past 15 years which was spent aimlessly.

He said the nation wants peace and wants to pay the price but we cannot sacrifice and undermine our gains in all sectors.

He emphasized that the best solution for peace is overcoming internal problems. "The previous government's mistake was trusting Pakistan to bring peace in Afghanistan," he added.

Daudzai said he has served as ambassador in Pakistan and he knows them well.

He said that the almost 40 years of chaos in Afghanistan has ended and the country will improve and will have a brighter future. "The NUG can overcome the problems but it needs a significant and healthy leadership. We do not want to lose the past 15 years' achievements," he concluded.

Former Minister of Water and Energy Mohammad Ismail Khan meanwhile said different weapons made by the East and West have been pouring into Afghanistan for the past 37 years.

"We need to ascertain why we have witnessed war for past 37 years. We are scared that we will face the fate of some Middle Eastern countries," he added.

 

Fuente: http://www.tolonews.com/en/afghanistan/22868-newly-established-council-s...

Autor: Siyar Sirat