Saturday May 23, 2015
Kabul (BNA) President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani on Thursday said his administration had adopted an inclusive strategy to deal with capital looters, land grabbers and poppy mafia leaders.
Talking at the 16th meeting of the International Contact Group (ICG), Ghani expressed satisfaction over the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Abdullah Abdullah and said that national unity government paved ground for political consensus.
“I and Abdullah meet with each other. We should not forget to build consensus on important issues of national importance,” the president remarked. Referring to formation of cabinet, the president said people of the country had no expectations that a vibrant cabinet would be formed. The newly elected ministers were not only good managers but good leaders to lead the country on path to progress and development. The ministers would explain their 100-days program to the people next week, Ghani said, adding all the ministers would be held accountable by the people. “I have told the cabinet members to work more than what they have promised,” the president said.
Ghani warned those who were involved in robbing millions of dollars, usurped thousands of acres of land or drug business would be brought to justice. However, Ghani added: “Now it is time for action and reforms. All officials should demonstrate greater responsibilities.”
On appointing new governors, he said the appointment of governors was more difficult task than appointment of ministers. The first 100 days of the cabinet would be dedicated to better coordination between ministers and governors about their plans and programs. He said local governance was very important for the central government. “Unfortunately, we have no clear political explanation for provinces but all these issues need gradual reforms,” he added. About the formation of the Supreme Court, Ghani said that five new judges would be introduced soon as he was in contact with the provincial judicial officials. Ghani said that corruption in the judicial system was causing instability in the country. The government would pay a special attention to improve judicial system.
Also, Ghani formally announced Masoom Stanikzai, the former secretary of High Peace Council (HPC), as minister-designate for the Minister of Defense.
The government’s arms were open for those Afghans who sought peace, but those who were behind war should be dealt with sternly, he added. Ghani once again insisted Afghanistan would never allow anybody to use its soil against other countries and was expecting the same from others, which he said was the key to regional stability. “We are fighting this war on behalf of international community. This is not just our war,” he informed. Noting that Afghanistan wanted peace with Pakistan and insurgents, Ghani said Pakistanis also admitted that a non-declared war was ongoing between the two neighboring countries. “In order to reach to our future goals, we have to overcome the past. But going forward requires a movement and joint cooperation against the threats.” The president once again welcomed Pakistan’s Prime Minister Remarks in his recent visit to Kabul saying that Afghanistan’s enemy could not be Pakistan’s friend. But he said Afghanistan wanted practical steps in this regard.
