KABUL - President Ashraf Ghani on Monday addressed guests gathered at the Presidential Palace in Kabul to mark the 27th anniversary of the withdrawal of Soviet troops and urged the Taliban and other insurgent groups to come in from the cold and join the peace process.
He said that Afghanistan as a nation has already paid a high price for its independence. Just in terms of the Soviet-Afghan war, he said World Bank estimates show that Afghanistan recorded a $240 billion USD loss during the 10-year occupation of the Soviets.
The Soviet Union occupied the country from 1979 until February 1989 – which left between 850,000 and 1.5 million civilians dead and millions more homeless after they fled to neighboring countries in search of refuge.
Ghani meanwhile acknowledged the contribution of the mujahedeen in the fight against the Soviets and said that talks are currently underway and ongoing to see what role the former jihadists can play in bringing peace and stability to the country.
Ghani went on to say the nation needs to stand united and rebuild the country - especially after having defeated the Soviet Union.
"If the nation is united anything is possible," he said.
The president pointed out that today Afghanistan is a responsible global partner and stands firm against terrorism. He said that all Afghan martyrs through the years had hoped for peace and that this is exactly what the people want.
"We are working to achieve this every day and night," he said.
On the issue of peace, Ghani said government welcomes any group that wants peace. "We ask all insurgents to join the peace process. We believe in peace."
In conclusion, Ghani urged the Taliban to come in from the cold and take part in the rebuilding of the country.
He said: "I am calling on the Taliban to say yes to peace. Continuing the war will affect the people and the country." (Tolonews)