KABUL - President-elect Dr. Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai on Monday issued an impassioned clarion call to action, promising a clean, efficient and service-oriented administration.
Addressing an event celebrating his electoral victory in Kabul, the ex-finance minister stressed the need for rock-solid unity among the Afghans in rebuilding their conflict-devastated country.
“We have to act ourselves to reconstruct our dear homeland before asking outsiders for assistance,” the former World Bank economist said. “Days of begging are gone and there is a great future ahead for us.”
Also a former Kabul University chancellor, Ahmadzai defended the power-sharing deal with his rival Dr. Abdullah Abdullah. The agreement was all about distribution of responsibilities, not power sharing, he argued.
“Peace has our long-cherished goal, which we will achieve at all costs. We are tired of war. Abdullah and I are committed to respecting our promises. Ours will be a strong government,” he observed.
In a not-so-veiled reference to a recent statement from the Balkh governor, Ahmadzai said with the establishment of the unity government, all parallel structure across the country would collapse.
With people’s support, he added, their coalition would work diligently to protect the national interest and forge a new consensus on administrative reforms. He pledged to keep merit supreme over other considerations including nepotism.
His administration would do all in its power to bring the mosque closer to the government, the president-elect vowed, thanking religious scholars and youth for their role in consensus building and mobilising support to him..
Ahmadzai appreciated the resilience and patience demonstrated by the Afghans during the six-month electoral process. While congratulating the people on a peaceful power transfer, he asked: “Which other nation can wait so long?”
Amid thunderous applause from a jam-packed hall, the technocrat from central Logar province spelled his priorities, including an end to the insurgency, strengthening the economy, boosting the gross national product and ensuring rule of law.
He also spoke of plans for the return of refugees from different countries, saying: “This great nation will remain incomplete as long as all Afghans don’t come home.” He assured all Afghans of getting equal opportunities, amenities and services. (Pajhwok)