Abdullah: peace is not one person’s monopoly

Following the peace talks and negotiations between the Talian and US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad in Doha Qatar, Abdullah reiterated that “Afghanistan’s stance is clear in supporting the peace process, and the people of Afghanistan have the right to take a position regarding the peace process.”

Abdullah’s critical remarks regarding the peace process translate that peace effort should be inclusive and comprehensive. So one Minister or party alone can not represent and handle the entire process because it is complicated, and need to include all stakeholders’ suggestions and inputs. 

Meanwhile, the emphasis is that the negotiation team should be an inclusive team, which should include the government, social activists, politicians, religious leaders, and more.

Abdullah stated that “a minister can only provide better coordination between the government and other stakeholders than handling the entire peace process.”

He further added that “ one-sided government-appointments and decisions have no benefit to the country, it instead, widens the gap between people and the government. 

“The National Unity Government is based on a National Unity Government agreement, and we will have to work collaboratively in matters of great importance rather than monopolizing an entire process,” Abdullah said.