Unity govt making progress, US Senators told

WASHINGTON (Pajhwok): Despite delay in cabinet formation, the unity government is making progress and there is real coordination between President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Abdullah Abdullah, the US ambassador-designate told Senators on Tuesday.

“There is disappointment that the actual naming of cabinet ministers has been somewhat delayed, but in the context of everything else the government of national unity has managed to accomplish in just a little over two months, this is really part of the process,” Peter McKinley said during his confirmation hearing

Two days ago in the presidential palace Ghani, accompanied by CEO Abdullah and by all their deputies, made a public announcement to the Afghan people on a timetable for naming ministers, and they were talking about a two- to four-week timetable, he said.

There have been ongoing discussions between both men over the disposition of different cabinet postings, potential nominees and general agreement that the person selected not only should be the best ones for the job but people who have a high degree of integrity and credibility inside Afghanistan so the government’s reform program can be carried forward, he said.

“We obviously are going to have to wait a little longer but this presentation two days ago I think gave us hope that this issue is moving toward resolution,” he added.

McKinley said the US is preparing to consult with the Afghan government on refinements to its mission’s duration. “We are consulting, working closely with General Campbell on security assessments on the ground and what adjustments, if necessary, over time must be taken to make our mission more effective,” he said.

rm/mud

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