Language

Don't you have an account with Pajhwok Afghan News?

Click here to subscribe.

US can identify hurdles to peace bid: Faizi

author avatar
27 Jan 2014 - 21:02
author avatar
27 Jan 2014 - 21:02

KABUL (Pajhwok): Kabul has asked Washington to formally announce its inability if it cannot play any role in promoting the Afghan-led peace process, the chief presidential spokesman said on Monday.

Aimal Faizi told journalists at the Presidential Palace that Afghanistan clung to its conditions — support for the peace drive and an end to raids on civilian homes — for signing the Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA).

Government officials had repeatedly asked their American interlocutors at different meetings that the US should publicly say what prevented it from backing the reconciliation campaign, he added.

When Washington gave reasons for its inability, stemming either from Pakistan’s unwillingness for talks, President Karzai would tell the nation who was against peace in Afghanistan, he continued.

If the Obama administration could not extend practical support for the peace process, it was in a position to identify hurdles to stability in Afghanistan, the presidential spokesman remarked.

Faizi said: “We want a practical start to the peace process to eliminate any excuse for fighting in Afghanistan.” There were several factors fueling insecurity, including Taliban and foreign intelligence, he alleged.

The president held meetings with US Ambassador James B. Cunningham and ISAF Commander Gen. Joseph Dunford at the Presidential Palace today.

At the meetings, Karzai highlighted ways of taking forward the peace process besides discussing the latest wave of violence that hit several provinces, including Kabul.

Karzai directed security officials to expedite investigations into the latest spate of violence and forge strong coordination to deal with the situation.

Faizi rejected ISAF concerns regarding the planned release of detainees from Bagram prison. The US has long been opposing the release of the 88 prisoners but it was the jurisdiction of the Afghan government to investigate prisoner cases, he observed.

He insisted foreigners had no right to run their own prisons or detain Afghans. “We categorically reject the ISAF statement with regard to Bagram prisoners,” he reiterated.

A recent report in The New York Time about the Parwan incident was politically motivated and aimed to serve the interest of the US, the official said.

The spokesman claimed having detailed information about the Parwan incident, including the number of civilian casualties, ages and photographs of victims and their relatives.

He accused international troops of always trying either to hide information about civilian casualties in their operations or understate the figures. As a consequence, the government appoints delegations to probe such incidents.

Faizi said The New York Times wanted to twist facts regarding collateral damage, but the Afghan government had acquired accurate information in this regard.

rm/mud

Visits: 1

GET IN TOUCH

SUGGEST A STORY

Pajhwok is interested in your story suggestions. Please tell us your thoughts by clicking here.

PAJHWOK MOBILE APP

Download our mobile application to get the latest updates on your mobile phone. Read more