Wolesi Jirga adjourned as MPs trade harsh words

KABUL, or lower house of Parliament, ended with an exchange of harsh words between two members.  

The clash erupted between Abdur Rahimi Ayubi and Sakhi Mashwani after the former ended his protest against the Wolesi Jirga’s acceptance of the explanations offered by finance and interior ministers.

Ayubi masked his face and chained his hands and feet against Saturday’s decision to let off the two ministers, summoned by the lower house to answer questions from lawmakers on budgetary changes and civilian deaths.

He believed that the MPs, instead of being asked to approve or reject the ministerial explanations, should have voted for or against the Cabinet members.

He asked the speaker and administrative board members to resign, alleging the board was under the influence of Hezb-i-Islami groups.

“He wanted to speak yesterday and show members some documents regarding the ministers, but he was not allowed,” Ayubi said, claiming he overheard Abdur Sattar Khawasi talking to someone on telephone that he was not allowed to speak.

MP from Nangarhar Lailma Wali Hukami asked Ayubi not to blame anyone without reason. Ayubi replied: “I am not talking without evidence. I have proof that you (Hukami) also visited the finance minister’s residence and received money from him.”

As the exchanges went on, Mashwani stoop up in support of Hukami and almost came came to blows with Ayubi, but other lawmakers intervened.

Mullah Obaidullah Barakzai, an MP from Kandahar, also tried to beat Mashwani but other members set them apart. Mashwani was taken out and Speaker Abdur Rauf Ibrahimi adjourned the session.

mas/mud

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