KABUL - The Council of Protection and Stability of Afghanistan on Tuesday said it was concerned over the tension between President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, saying that if it continues it will endanger the national interests.
Members of the council said at a gathering on Tuesday that the rift between National Unity Government (NUG) leaders will encourage insurgents and it will affect the morale of the security forces.
They said they have met with the leaders and have urged them to end the tension.
"The rift between the two leaders has created frustration among the people and it has encouraged the country's enemies. We are concerned that it will affect the morale of the security forces as well. Our stance is that we support none of the leaders," said Massoud Trishtwal, spokesman of the council.
According to the council, the issues that have resulted in tension between Abdullah and Ghani are not important and that government should focus on holding parliamentary elections as well as the Constitutional Loya Jirga (Grand Assembly).
"Tension is not in favor of the national interests. A further delay in elections is also not in favor of the country. The government is established based on a political agreement and holding election is one of its main commitments; therefore we must have a transparent election," Trishtwal added.
Meanwhile, a number of students said the discord between the two leaders will affect the morale of the people.
Asadullah, a student said that the rift between the NUG leaders is a personal issue and one that can benefit them but this "has imposed a negative impact on the public's mind."
"The tension between NUG leaders has frustrated the younger generation in the country," said Ahmad Shahim, another student.
These remarks come after Ghani and Abdullah have reportedly met three times to discuss the issues that have created tension between them.(Tolonews)