KABUL - US Secretary Antony Blinken’s letter to President Ashraf Ghani, in which he seeks to kick-start the stalled peace process, "may have surprised many," however, for the Afghan government, it was “not a concern” and the government will not change its stance on reconciliation efforts, said First Vice President Amrullah Saleh at an event on Monday. 
In this blunt letter, Blinken proposed a United Nations-led peace conference in Turkey aimed at forming an inclusive Afghan government with the Taliban and establishing a three-month reduction in violence that will lead to a ceasefire.
But Saleh warned that there will never be any compromise on Afghanistan’s Constitution and on the people’s right to vote.
The first vice president, who addressed an event marking the 7th anniversary of the death of Marshal Mohammad Qasim Fahim, said Afghanistan will not accept “illegitimate demands” that negate the people’s right to vote.  
“Our relations with the West and the Americans are fundamental, but whenever our interests are violated, we inform our nation.” 
“We will not ignore our Constitution,” Saleh said, adding that “we can discuss the election and the date but will never let anyone take the people’s right to vote.”
He said the United States can hold a conference and decide on the presence of its troops in Afghanistan or negotiate with the Taliban but added that it is the legitimate right of the Afghan government to not compromise based on others’ calendar over the fate of 35 million people in Afghanistan.
“We need peace,” Saleh said. “We understand that peace is a need for us. No one will stand against peace. We will make peace with dignity.” 
He added: “We will never accept a coerced and imposed peace.”
Echoing President Ashraf Ghani’s recent remarks, Saleh said the republic's side is ready to agree on the date of the election “if the Taliban agree on the principle of elections with us.”
“We will never bow to a deal by some individuals that endangers the system, our achievements and the people’s right to vote,” Saleh said. (TOLO NEWS)