Abdullah Abdullah, chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation, said that formation of an interim government cannot help the peace process, in remarks during an interview with an Iranian channel on Sunday night.
During an interview, Abdullah, who is visiting Tehran, said that the peace negotiations in Doha are at the preliminary stage and the agenda for the talks has not been prepared yet, and the issue of the formation of an interim government has not been raised.
However, he added that its proposal will not help the peace process since the expected outcome of an interim government plan is “unclear” and not a solution to lasting peace.
The Afghan leader stressed that the goal of the talks is to achieve lasting peace, and that to achieve this goal, the two sides must agree on a comprehensive solution.
When asked about the future power sharing formula, the Taliban had also said the “system of choice” would be in place.
“We want an independent Afghan inclusive of Islamic system, not a monopoly of power in which the people of Afghanistan see their aspirations subdued,” said the group’s political office spokesperson Naeem Wardak, in an interview with Ekurd Daily.
However, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Monday that it is important that the people of Afghanistan achieve a real peace to preserve their successes after years of war and conflict, and the political negotiations, as well as inter-Afghan talks, are the solutions to the problem.
Expressing hope for the success of the efforts to establish peace and stability in Afghanistan, the Iranian president added, “It is important that the people of Afghanistan attain a real peace after years of war and conflict.”
Pointing to the good relations between Iran and Afghanistan as two friendly and neighboring countries, President Rouhani stressed the development and deepening of Tehran-Kabul relations.
He added that “sustainable peace, stability, and security in Afghanistan as a neighbor and brother country is of special concern for the Islamic Republic of Iran”.
Referring to the good relations between Iran and Afghanistan as two friendly and neighboring countries, President Rouhani stressed the development and deepening of Tehran-Kabul relations.
He pointed to the Khaf-Herat railway, saying that project will come on stream in the coming days.
The connection between the Iranian and Afghan railways would strengthen economic and trade collaboration between the two countries, Rouhani said.
“Iran is ready to connect gas and oil pipelines to Afghanistan to provide our neighboring nation with energy products,” he added.
Rouhani stressed, “We have always stood along with the people of Afghanistan, and we will continue to support this country in all aspects.”
Abdullah Abdullah thanked the supports of the Islamic Republic of Iran regarding developments and efforts to establish lasting peace and security in this country and said, “The Islamic Republic of Iran is a good friend and neighbor of Afghanistan.”
He appreciated Iran for hosting Afghan refugees during the years of war and conflict in this country and said, “During my visit to Tehran, I had good meetings with the officials of the Islamic Republic and I will take the message of Iranian support to Kabul and follow up the agreements between the two countries.”
The Afghan official expressed hope that Afghanistan will witness the conclusion of the Afghan peace talks and the establishment of lasting security and peace in his country with the support of the Islamic Republic.
Abdullah arrived in Tehran on Sunday for a three-day visit and a meeting with high-ranking officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran on expanding bilateral relations and the ways to develop Afghanistan’s peace and stability processes.
He met and held talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.
He is also scheduled to meet with Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Rear Admiral Ali Shamkhani.
A delegation of high-level national reconciliation council officials, members of parliament, and officials from the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs accompany Abdullah during the visit.
