Editor in Chief: Moh. Reza Huwaida Thursday, March 28th, 2024

Kerry Cautions Against Meddling in Afghan Politics

Kerry Cautions Against Meddling  in Afghan Politics

WASHINGTON - A top American senator on Tuesday cautioned the US against interference in Afghanistan's domestic politics, as the country heads toward the 2014 presidential elections.
"We must prepare now for the elections in 2014. Ultimately, it is the political transition that will determine whether our military gains are sustainable, and the strength and quality of the Afghan state we leave behind will be determined by that political transition," he said.

John Kerry, chairman of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said: "Our role should not interfere in domestic politics. It is critical that Afghans must pick their leaders freely and fairly.

"But we should make clear that we will only support a technical process that is transparent and credible," Kerry said during the confirmation hearing of the US ambassadors to Afghanistan and Pakistan.

"Selection of an accountable, independent election commission, transparency in new election laws, and early preparation of voter lists are all critical steps for Afghans in order that they have a voice and a choice in the election," he added.

America's political strategy should go beyond reconciliation in order to support a national consensus among key Afghan stakeholders, he suggested, explaining that too many Afghans were preparing to fight to secure their interests instead of uniting for the good of their country.

He stressed the need for sending a strong message that the United States supported a comprehensive political process that was fully inclusive, transparent and respectful of the rights of all groups, including women and ethnic minorities.

Ranking member, Senator Richard Lugar, said the US needed a clear explanation of what metrics must be satisfied to achieve the original intent of the mission to prevent Afghanistan territory from being used as a terrorist safe haven. "It's essential that Afghanistan is viewed in the broader strategic context and that our policy there is not determined by political optics or inertia."

Responding to questions from lawmakers, James B Cunningham, US Ambassador-designate to Afghanistan, said the upcoming political transition is really vitally important. "It is not an issue of one party or another. It really is an issue for all Afghans and all Afghan political actors to take a really hard look at the significance of the upcoming elections and the political transition and what that means for Afghanistan's future and for the unity of the country and of the body politics." (Pajhwok)