KABUL (Pajhwok): Former president Hamid Karzai on Monday said Afghanistan was still far from achieving lasting peace and security, adding that the key to resolving issues should be sought inside the country.
He made the remarks in a video message to the 53rd International Conference on Islamic Unity.
Karzai said: "We welcome the recent developments in Afghanistan that have led to the end of the war and the bloodshed.”
He said he was happy that Afghans did not hear or hear less news of the war every day.
“But the reality is that the country is in dire situation and recent terrorist attacks show that we are still a long way from lasting peace and security.”
"Afghanistan is going through a very difficult time right now," he said. He said for obvious and hidden reasons, Afghanistan was a priority for the world's most powerful nations, but it still suffers from the economic crisis.
He added that Afghans endured the four decades of war, but were proud to be safe from religious strife and sedition.
Referring to recent attacks by ISIS in Kabul, Kandahar and Kunduz, Karzai said such incidents were a sign of increasing instability in the region, pursuit of political goals and a conspiracy against Afghans.
"Because of the situation inside the country and external issues, Afghans must first and foremost look for the key to the solution at home," he said.
He added if instability persisted in Afghanistan, the countries of the region would be severely affected, so cooperation with Afghanistan was needed.
Karzai called on neighboring countries, especially Pakistan, to work with Afghanistan for stability and security.
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