KABUL - Ex-foreign minister Salahuddin Rabbani and Hezb-i Islami Afghanistan chief Gulbadin Hekmatyar have declined joining the High Council for National Reconciliation (HCNR).
In a statement on Friday, then president Hamid Karzai said he would not be part of any government entity. However, he welcomed peace efforts.
Taking their cue from Karzai, Hekmatyar and Rabbani also refused to accept the membership of the peace council.
In a decree issued on Saturday, President Ashraf Ghani announced the appointment of HCNR members, including political leaders and senior government officials.
But the nominations have drawn stringent criticism from HCNR Chairman Dr Abdullah and his followers.
Abdullah asserting that establishing the council was his authority and its formation did not require a presidential decree. (Pajhwok)