Latest News
Ghani adamant about handing over power to elected successor
President Ashraf Ghani said on Saturday his basic goal is to be able to hand over power to an elected successor so as to honor all Afghans for the sacrifices they have made.
In an interview with CNN, Ghani said he hopes to do this “through the will of the people.”
“This is crucial to enable us to both honor the sacrifice of our civilians, our activists, and others.”
He also stated that if the goal of a sovereign, democratic, united Afghanistan is maintained then the current peace process will be able to move forward.
“But if the objective of the Taliban is to dominate and give us the peace of the grave, then that will have very negative consequences.
“Our society is united in seeking peace but we want to have a positive peace,” Ghani said.
Also in the interview was First Lady Rula Ghani who said the constructive participation of women at the Doha peace talks was a positive development.
She said the female peace negotiators for the Afghan Republic’s team were actively involved in the talks and had progressed from representing only women, to representing all of Afghanistan.
She said: “The Taliban are our brothers and our sisters and as Afghans, they have the right to come and live in Afghanistan,” adding that the question that needed to be asked was whether the Taliban had the right to bring their own way of thinking and impose it on the rest of the population.
She also said if the Taliban have political ambition “they can do it through the electoral process”.
The president meanwhile said: “We are in an open moment; the incoming [Joe] Biden administration is an immense opportunity – to work with us a) to define what the US security interests in Afghanistan and the region are – no one wants a return to a heavy footprint.”
He said the second point was that it was essential to end 40 years of conflict and thirdly, the peace process needs to be truly owned and led by the Afghan people.
Ghani also said the scale and scope of US presence in Afghanistan needs to be defined. “Here the most critical issue is how to marry a conditions-based approach with a time-based approach,” he said.
“My basic goal is to be able to hand power through the will of the people to my elected successor. This is crucial to enable us to both honor the sacrifice of our civilivilans, our activists, and others,” Ghani stated.
He also stated, “one thing needs to be clear Afghan society is not willing to go back and we are not the type of society that the Taliban type approach of the past can be imposed on us.”
“That was the peace of the graveyard, he said.
Ghani stated the country wants “a positive peace where all of us can overcome our past and embrace each other and rebuild an Afghanistan where all peace and countries can interact.”
On the issue of troops withdrawal, Ghani said: “We are on the frontline of your (US) security,” and stated the key issue is not about charity but about responsibility.
He asked the question of what is the threat of terrorism? Also is it a system or is it individuals?
He also said that since 2015, US lives lost in Afghanistan totals 98, “while we the Afghan people have lost over 40,000 civilians and military”.
But if “US would like to withdraw [troops], all we ask for is a process that is predictable,” and one that is mutually agreed upon, he stated.
A 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan on Saturday afternoon, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The quake’s epicenter was reported in Jurm district of Badakhshan province, with a depth of 208.3 kilometers.
So far, there have been no immediate reports of casualties or damage following the tremor.
Shahabuddin Delawar, Head of the Commission for Contact with Afghan Personalities, says Afghanistan has achieved security, unified governance, brotherhood, and progress for the first time in 47 years under the administration of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA).
Speaking at a meeting in Kabul on Saturday, Delawar said Afghanistan had lacked a unified system over the past four decades, but added that with the return of the Islamic Emirate, the issue has now been resolved.
Referring to Ashura commemorations held on Friday, he said the occasion was observed peacefully across the country under full security.
Delawar also urged exiled Afghan politicians to return, saying the commission was established to serve Afghans and address the concerns of returning figures. He added that any legal disputes involving returnees would be handled exclusively through the commission.
He further said the Islamic Emirate has expanded treatment centers and intensified anti-narcotics efforts since regaining power, claiming this has led to a significant decline in drug addiction.
Addressing the issue of international legitimacy, Delawar said he understood why the United States has not recognized the Islamic Emirate, arguing that Washington suffered a defeat in Afghanistan that it cannot easily overlook.
“They have suffered a major defeat that they cannot forget; if they recognize us, they will face questions from their own people,” Delawar said.
The European Union says it is implementing hundreds of millions of euros in projects to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Afghanistan and help expand economic opportunities across the country.
Speaking to Ariana News, EU Chargé d’Affaires in Kabul, Veronika Boskovic Pohar, said the programs are aimed at creating jobs for skilled workers, women, youth, and returnees, while also strengthening the private sector. She added that alongside international support, Afghan authorities also have a role in facilitating economic growth.
According to Pohar, the EU is currently implementing projects worth €156 million focused on livelihoods, durable solutions, job creation, and women’s economic empowerment. She said an additional €40 million program specifically designed to support returnees will be launched in the near future.
She noted that the EU is gradually shifting its focus from emergency humanitarian aid toward long-term sustainable solutions, particularly for internally displaced people and returnees in Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, the United Nations, marking World Day of Small and Medium Enterprises, said SMEs account for more than 90 percent of businesses worldwide and play a critical role in employment and economic growth.
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric stressed that stronger investment, innovation, and sustainable industrial development are essential to help businesses withstand economic challenges and build resilient economies.
Afghan private sector representatives and economic analysts say greater support for SMEs could help the country address economic challenges faster, increase employment, and promote sustainable long-term development.
Saar: Concerns over Afghan deportations from Europe discussed
6.1-magnitude earthquake hits Afghanistan, epicenter in Badakhshan
Delawar says Afghanistan has achieved security and unity after 47 years
EU announces major funding to support Afghan small businesses
Afghan women’s situation highlighted at SCO Forum amid ongoing global debate
Norway’s Viking-inspired World Cup team photo goes viral
TAPI project advances in Afghanistan as 84kms of pipeline laid
Afghanistan’s trade with Central Asia records sharp growth
Afghanistan to play in Diamond Jubilee Tournament opener against Maldives
Gaikwad set to replace injured Kohli for Afghanistan ODI Series
Saar: Concerns over Afghan deportations from Europe discussed
Exclusive interview with Polleak Ok Serei, UNODC Representative for Afghanistan
Tahawol: Germany’s defense of engagement with IEA discussed
Saar: Rejection of security threats from Afghan soil discussed
Tahawol: Efforts to eliminate drugs across Afghanistan discussed
-
International Sports3 days agoKnockout picture begins to take shape at FIFA World Cup 2026
-
Latest News4 days agoContract signed for reconstruction of 15km section of Salang Highway
-
Business5 days agoKazakhstan signs $18.8 million zinc ore supply agreement with Afghan company
-
Latest News3 days agoAfghanistan’s SCO participation blocked over one member’s objection, Kabulov says
-
Latest News1 day agoTAPI project sees rapid progress in Afghanistan
-
Latest News4 days agoQatar embassy holds roundtable on Afghanistan’s relations with international community
-
Latest News3 days agoEU allocates 20 million euros to support returnees in Afghanistan
-
International Sports4 days agoMessi breaks World Cup scoring record as Argentina reach knockout stage