Dostum returns to Kabul with call for political unity

KABUL (Pajhwok): Former vice president Marshal Abdul Rashid Dostum has returned to Kabul, with a clarion call for political unity in Afghanistan.

He was accorded a warm welcome by at the Hamid Karzai International Airport by senior political figures, including High Council for National Reconciliation chief Abdullah Abdullah.

Presidential advisor on security and political affairs Mohammad Mohaqiq and several other leaders were also present at the airport to welcome the Uzbek strongman.

Following his arrival in the capital after 20 months, the ex-VP hit out at the Taliban and Haqqani Network for killing innocent citizens. Both rebel outfits would be defeated, he vowed.

Suggesting a political consensus on the Afghan peace process, Dostum said: “We are at a critical juncture and the president must bring politicians together…”

There was a unique opportunity for peace in Afghanistan, he told the inaugural meeting of the High Council of Government.

The panel operates under the High Council for National Reconciliation. About 20 political leaders, including Dostum, are part of the council.

Before the meeting, Dostum said: “I have come here from Jawzjan province to meet President Ashraf Ghani and other political leaders.”

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