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Zakhilwal Says Endorsing ‘Interim’ Gov’t Proposal If It Leads to Peace
Omar Zakhilwal, former Afghan envoy to Pakistan and one of the participants of recent Moscow talks, says he is endorsing the proposal of an interim government in Afghanistan if it leads to lasting peace in the war-torn country.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Ariana News on Wednesday, Zakhilwal said that the government’s decision to hold a consultative Loya Jirga in Kabul next month is an attempt to undermine the outcomes of last week’s Moscow talks between the Afghan oppositions and the Taliban representatives.
He said if the consultative Loya Jirga proved to be in contrast with Moscow meeting, “it will divide us, we are hopeful it doesn’t go that far because everyone is aware of its harmful consequences”.
In parts of his speech, Zakhilwal endorsed the interim government proposal if it could ensure lasting peace in Afghanistan.
“If the peace talks lead into establishment of an interim government, why should not [support it], peace is above everything,” he said. “The interim government doesn’t mean to annihilate the system.”
It comes as President Ghani had called the idea of interim government “ridiculous” and said that those who insist on the plan should wait for hundreds of years.
The proposal of interim government apparently has been one of the agenda of Moscow talks being backed by the Afghan oppositions including Mohammad Mohaqiq who called it the best possible option in the given scenario.
Esmaeil Baqaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has announced that Tehran will host a regional meeting on Afghanistan next week.
Referring to Iran’s ongoing consultations with neighboring countries, including Pakistan and Afghanistan, aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region, he said: “The Islamic Republic of Iran attaches fundamental importance to security and stability in our neighboring environment, and in this regard, spares no effort to reduce tensions among regional countries and to strengthen mutual understanding.”
He described the upcoming meeting as the result of consultations held at various levels with neighboring countries and other regional actors, expressing hope that this initiative will play an effective role in enhancing regional cohesion and easing tensions.
According to Baqaei, the regional meeting will take place next week in Tehran, hosted by Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and will be attended by special representatives for Afghan affairs from Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, China, and Russia.
The European Union has announced €25 million in assistance to the World Food Programme’s Afghanistan office.
According to the EU, the aid will be used to develop climate-resilient projects and strengthen local food systems in Afghanistan.
It will also help create employment opportunities for women and youth, as well as support school nutrition programs.
The EU added that this cooperation will continue to expand opportunities that improve the lives of Afghans.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate has denied reports claiming that Afghan dual citizens living abroad are now required to obtain an Afghan visa when returning to their home country.
Zia Ahmad Takal, the ministry’s head of public relations, said in a statement that no new decision has been made in this regard.
According to him, Afghans who travel to Afghanistan with a foreign passport, as before, do not need to obtain a visa if they present proof of their Afghan identity, and they may enter the country without a visa.
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