Pompeo urges Afghans to write a new, peaceful chapter of history

Addressing all parties to the peace talks in Doha Saturday morning, the United States’ Secretary of State Mike Pompeo delivered a no-nonsense speech advising both parties to overcome their divisions and reach agreement on a peaceful future for the benefit of all Afghans.

He said Saturday’s event was a truly momentous occasion – one where Afghans “have at long last chosen to sit together and chart a new course” for their country. 

He said he hoped each person present would look inside their hearts as each carries a great responsibility and that the entire world wants them to succeed and is counting on them to succeed. 

He made it clear that the world was aware that the parties to the war want to determine their own affairs. “It’s why you all are here. Free from outside interference.”

He also stated that the world was aware of the “tremendously negative and divisive impact that four decades of violence have had on Afghanistan and on the Afghan people.”

“Through an inclusive negotiation process, you each – you each have an opportunity.  You have an opportunity to overcome your divisions and reach agreement on a peaceful future for the benefit of all Afghans, and if – if Afghans embrace their common interest in a united Afghanistan while respecting the rich diversity of the country’s people, we believe with all our hearts that a durable peace is, in fact, possible,” he said. 

On the future political system, he said it was up to Afghans to make that choice. “In the United States, we’ve found that democracy – notably the principle of peaceful resolution and rotation of political power – works best.”

“This model – this model has yielded great peace and prosperity for us and for other democratic nations,” he said, adding that although there is a “no one size fits all” solution, the United States doesn’t seek to impose its system on others.  

“We believe firmly that protecting the rights of all Afghans is indeed the best way for you to break the cycle of violence,” he said. 

He told the delegates that they will be writing the next chapter in Afghan history and that the US hopes “this chapter is one of reconciliation and progress, not another chronicle of tears and bloodshed.”

Once the official opening ceremony was over, Pompeo met Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation Abdullah Abdullah and acting foreign minister Haneef Atmar.

After their meeting, Abdullah said he welcomed their meeting and had thanked the US and Pompeo for supporting the Afghan peace process and for attending Saturday’s ceremony.

“We reiterated our call for an end to violence & for successful negotiations leading to a permanent & sustainable peace,” Abdullah said.