Ghani, Abdullah meet again to talk out rifts

KABUL (Pajhwok): Presidential runners Dr. Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai and Dr. Abdullah Abdullah are set to meet Wednesday night to talk out their differences on the electoral process.

The two leaders would review the latest deadlock in the ballot audit process and other complex issues with regard to the formation of a national unity government, a member of Ahmadzai’s campaign said.

Speaking to Pajhwok Afghan News, Faizullah Zaki hoped that the talks would lead to an amicable resolution of disputes, including specification of a date for the inauguration of the new president.

Earlier, the United Nations urged a delay in the new leader’s inauguration — a call that drew a positive response from President Hamid Karzai, who now insists the ceremony, will take place on Sept. 2, come what may.

Syed Agha Hussain Sancharak, a spokesman for Abdullah’s Reform and Unanimity team, confirmed the candidates would meet yet again. It will be the third contact between the political rivals in a week.

“Each of the two candidates has won public votes, no matter how many. Based on people’s mandate, they should agree on a new formula for ending the impasse. Definitely, this discussion is going to be complicated,” he remarked.

According Sancharak, the swearing-in ceremony will not take place on Sept. 2 as long as Abdullah and Ahmadzai, who also met last night at the Presidential Palace, remain unable to reach an agreement.

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