KABUL - Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Abdullah Abdullah on Wednesday said working for peace in Afghanistan ‘is harder than fighting’ but the government would pursue the path of peace and stability.
Abdullah was expressing a conference ‘Common approaches to future and preparation for peace in Afghanistan’ organized by the European Union mission in Kabul.
The CEO said working for peace had become harder with the passage of time and the continuation of such a situation would create more problems for people.
Abdullah also said they all had neglected their responsibilities about people’s rights. He urged the Afghans to avoid fueling ethnic difference and make efforts for durable peace. “We should prove that we have the aptitude for peace.”
Addressing militants, he said the government was not ready for talks with those hell bent on fighting and killing innocent people.
In a veiled reference to Pakistan, the CEO said “unfortunately our neighbor is yet to understand it could not obtain goals by supporting terrorist groups fighting in Afghanistan.’ Considering Afghanistan’s situation, he said, both the sides needed to negotiate.
Franz Michael Melbin, EU ambassador to Afghanistan, said: “There is a chance for peace in Afghanistan which should be used effectively.”
“Peace is possible in Afghanistan and the ground for it has been paved. The agreement with Hizb-i-Islami Afghanistan (HIA) shows Afghan people’s and leaders’ strong will for peace, we believe this process will succeed,” he said.
The peace process with the HIA increased people’s trust in peace, but efforts being made in this regard should not remain on paper only, Melbin said.
He said there would be ups and downs in the peace process, but efforts should not stop.
“In peace negotiations, matters should be explained and discussed comprehensively so it leads to stable peace in Afghanistan,” he added. (Pajhwok)