By Karim Amini
A number of high ranking government officials, former jihadi leaders and politicians on Saturday called on the Taliban and other anti-government groups to join the peace process.
Speaking at an event to commemorate the 16th anniversary of Ahmad Shah Massoud’s assassination and the start of Martyrs Week they urged insurgents to lay down their arms and seek peace.
Chief Executive Officer, Abdullah Abdullah, addressed guests at the ceremony in the Loya Jirga tent in Kabul and asked insurgents to join the peace process.
“Come and stand beside your people. No one here would see you as a stranger if you stop standing by strangers,” said Abdullah.
Without mentioning the name of Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, the leader of Hizb-e-Islami, Abdullah recalled his recent remarks about Massoud - that he had had ties with Pakistan’s ISI and the Taliban during the civil war in Afghanistan.
Abdullah said the remarks were not true and were said to create discord among the nation.
“He (Massoud) is the one who Allah has honored, no one can damage his honor by remarks or demonstrations,” Abdullah added.
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