KABUL - President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani has welcomed the British government’s support for electoral and peace processes, promising necessary measures to hold parliamentary and district council polls on time.
The president expressed the views during his meeting with British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond on Monday evening, a statement from the Presidential Palace said on Tuesday.
Hammond briefed the president about Britain’s plans for Afghanistan and the region. Both sides exchanged views on security, peace, development programmes, elections and enhanced bilateral cooperation.
The statement quoted Hammond as thanked the president for accepting British Prime Minister David Cameron’s invitation to participate in the international anti-corruption conference.
He said the British government remained supportive of Afghanistan’s efforts for the restoration of peace and stability. He also praised the reconciliation initiative of the unity government.
Hammond said Afghan security forces were capable of fighting against the militants and had taken control of several areas during recent operations. “Afghan forces can defend their country and have gradually reduced reliance on foreign troops.”
According to the statement, Ghani praised Britain’s support in different areas, particularly in electoral and peace processes and cooperation with the Marshal Qasim Fahim University.
The president said different militant groups had been invited by his government to peace negotiations so as to put an end to the ongoing conflict in the country.
Only reconcilable groups would be invited to peace talks and those refusing to renounce violent activities would face military action, Ghani explained.
He said relevant state organs were trying to hold the elections on due date with technical preparations for the democratic exercise being fast-tracked. (Pajhwok)