Afghan MPs ask US to reverse aid cut decision

KABUL or upper house members on Tuesday expressed concern over the current political situation of the country and the US aid reduction.

The Independent Election Commission (IEC.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrived in Kabul on an announced visit on Monday to settle differences between Abdullah and Ghani, but failed.

US Department of State in a statement today said Ghani and Abdullah failed to agree on forming an inclusive government and the US will reduce its annual aid to Afghanistan by $1billion.

The US also said it is ready to take its decision back if Afghan leaders become able to form an inclusive government, ensure their security and participate in peace process.

The Meshrano Jirga discussed the US aid reduction in today’s meeting.

Mohayuddin Munsif, a senator from Kapisa, about reduction of $1billion US aid to Afghanistan, said, “Reduction of aid is not good news for Afghanistan, economic pressure will not affect the two leaders but the Afghan people will be affected.”

He asked the US to reconsider its decision and said the US should follow a different approach to settle differences between the presidential palace and Dr. Abdullah Abdullah.

Nader Baloch, a senator from Nimroz province said, “The US’s position to threaten the two electoral teams is a historical persecution against the people and security forces of Afghanistan.”

He also asked the US to reverse its decision in consideration with its military and strategic agreements with Afghanistan.

He stressed solution to differences between Ghani and Abdullah and said that the aid cut will not affect the two electoral teams.

Baloch added that the two teams should give up their personal interests for national interests.

Gulalai Akbari, a senator from Badakhshan said, “Current political situation is worrisome and political leaders should sacrifice their own interests over national interests and d not face Afghans with further problems.”

Mohammad Alam Ezdyar, first deputy chairman of Meshrano Jirga, said that political problems in the country paved way for foreign interferences and deteriorated security situation.

He asked Ghani and Abdullah to end their differences and find a solution for their political dispute which would be acceptable to all.

He hoped problems between the two leaders would be solved and it would pave way for intra-Afghan talks and end of four decades of war in Afghanistan.

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