Afghan govt prepares peace road map for Turkey summit: Ghani adviser

Waheed Omar, senior presidential advisor, on Thursday dispelled rumors that President Ashraf Ghani will present only an early election plan at the scheduled Istanbul Summit, and said he will however put forward a proposed roadmap to peace.

According to Omar the transfer of power via elections was just one part of the plan.

“The president has prepared a roadmap for peace. This road map is not in response to reject or accept the plans of others, but it’s the government’s roadmap for peace,” stated Omar.

This comes as reports indicated earlier this week that Ghani prepared a new plan for early elections in the country, which will be presented at the upcoming Turkey Summit.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Massoud, son of Ahmad Shah Massoud, former Mujahideen leader, said that Ghani is not a good leader and should step down.

“If peace talks are not concluded, people will take up arms against Taliban, Afghan people have the right to defend themselves,” said Massoud.

According to Massoud, Afghanistan should have a decentralized political system.

“A Swiss governance model, a decentralized system, which was one of the hopes of Ahmad Shah Massoud. It is the only way to resolve the situation. Most Afghans seek a decentralized system, “stated Massoud.

Taliban’s spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid, meanwhile, rejected an early election plan, and said the group would not participate in such elections.

“Taliban can’t participate in elections that people do not participate in. Not only Taliban but all Afghans will not participate in a hasty election,” said Sayed Akbar Agha, a former member of the Taliban.

This comes after Ghani on Wednesday once again stated he was opposed to the establishment of an interim government and emphasized that Afghanistan will remain independent.

Addressing guests at an event to mark the inauguration of Kamal Khan Dam, Ghani said that “papers, plans and rumors are coming,” but Afghanistan will remain “independent.”