KABUL - Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Abdullah, clinging to his position, on Monday insisted on complete implementation of the agreement on forming the national unity government.
Amid persisting differences with President Ashraf Ghani, the CEO met a number of jihadi leaders, parliament members and other influential individuals at his office late on Sunday.
A statement from his office quoted Abdullah as thanking the jihadi leaders and influential figures for supporting him in his political wrangling with the president.
“Formation of the national unity government was the result of the sacrifices you rendered two years ago. Afghanistan would have been in a precarious position now if you had not sacrificed,” the CEO remarked.
Abdullah apologised to the nation for his failure to do enough during the past two years. The deal on establishing the incumbent government was aimed at political stability in Afghanistan, he said.
About people’s participation in the presidential 2014 elections, he said the Afghans had proved their commitment to democracy and confidence in concrete action.
Hailing his supporters the greatest intellectual asset, Abdullah said the Afghans had opened a new door for their country with their votes. However, he regretted people’s demands had not been met in the past two years.
“We preferred patience, but I assure people their efforts would not end up in smoke,” CEO added. About his Thursday’s speech, Abdullah said: “Whatever I said was not my personal anger; it was the truth the people should understand.”
He continued: “I have tolerated what I could. Now I’m in a position where I could no longer wait and feel obliged to inform the people of the existing situation.” He affirmed his commitment to meeting people’s demands.
During a meeting on last Thursday, the CEO hit out at Ghani’s weak leadership, saying he had no option but to make public his differences with Ghani.
Abdullah had said essential pledges in the unity government agreement, such as convening a Loya Jirga, amending the Constitution to create the post of prime minister and introduce electoral reforms had not been honoured so far.
The CEO said he had been forced to change his modus operandi and the people could no longer wait for the implementation of the commitments.
“Our demand is total implementation of the agreement on unity government; we don’t want anything more or less than that, because implementation of the agreement would lead to the survival and stability of the country,” CEO said.
Speaking to the participants, he said that his patience during the past two years should be given marks. “Some people complain I should raise my voice during that time, but we should take action with patience” he added.
He said the implementation of the agreement was not his personal demand, but it was the demand of nation.
Abdullah said he would share people’s demands during a meeting with the president. If problems still persist, he would take a consensus decision after consultation with people’s representatives and public figures.(Pajhwok)