KABUL - Some narrow political elements misused Friday’s protest against a wave of recent attacks to spark violence, resulting in more death and suffering, a top US diplomat said on Saturday.
“The enemy seeks to manipulate the people’s anger and sadness to create division and sow instability,” said Ambassador Hugo Llorens, Chargé d’Affaires at the US embassy.
The envoy asked Afghans and their international partners to tell terrorists that cowards could not break the Afghan resolve to achieve a prosperous, stable and peaceful nation that they have long deserved.
“The enemies of Afghanistan cannot win. They will not win,” Llorens said in a statement, lamenting the loss of scores of precious lives ones in the May 31 attack.
“I, along with all Americans, stand in unwavering solidarity with our Afghan brothers in the face of this evil act of terrorism. Our hearts go out to the families of the fallen and those injured in the attack.
“This tragedy has affected us all. I once again offer my deepest condolences to the families of all the victims …Friday’s protests reflect the frustration of many Afghans.
“While peaceful demonstrations are welcome in a democracy, some narrow political elements used this opportunity to spark violence, resulting in more death and suffering, compounding the grief.”
According to the diplomat, June 6 offers another opportunity to send that message, as the government hosts an unprecedented multilateral gathering of regional stakeholders for the Kabul Process Conference to discuss security, reconciliation and economic development.
The conference will be a visible reminder to all those who seek to harm Afghanistan that the Afghan people are never alone, especially in the wake of last week’s attack.
“As always, the United States, along with all of Afghanistan’s partners, remains shoulder-to-shoulder with our Afghan brothers and sisters in pursuit of a brighter tomorrow for all Afghans.” (Pajhwok)