Stage set for peaceful power transfer

KABUL (Pajhwok): Foreign dignitaries are converging on Kabul to participate in Monday’s inauguration of president-elect Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai and chief executive Abdullah Abdullah.

In Afghanistan’s turbulent political history, the oath-taking ceremony marks the first-ever peaceful power transfer from one elected president to another.

Jawad Naji, spokesman for the Cabinet Secretariat and Office of Administrative Affairs, told Pajhwok Afghan News a large number of foreign guests, government officials and politicians would be in attendance.

A security blanket has been thrown around the capital ahead the important event, which will take place at the Presidential Palace. Security checks and vehicle searches have been enhanced, with law-enforcement personnel guarding key areas.   

After taking oath as new president, Ashraf Ghani would administer oath to Abdullah as chief executive and the two vice-presidents, Abdur Rashid Dostum and Sarwar Danish.

Although Naji did not give a specific number of participants, one credible source said up to 1,400 people, including 200 international figures, were expected to take part in the ceremony.

The Interior Ministry said security preparations for the inauguration of the president had been put in place. The ceremony would be held without any security concerns, it added.

The Kabul International Airport and many other streets have been decorated with the national flags, with the municipality busy sprucing up the capital city. Monday has been declared a close holiday.

mud

Visits: 0