Elected body needed to decide on future system: Hekmatyar

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Hezb-i-Islami Afghanistan (HIA) leader has called Norway’s for a Loya Jirga a US-backed NATO plan, saying a powerful body, comprised of elected public representatives is needed to approve a new constitution and build a future system.

Last week, some countries, including Norway, reportedly issued a joint statement after several days of talks with a Taliban delegation in Oslo. They urged the “Taliban” to call a Loya Jirga for making inclusive government and resolving the current crisis.

But HIA chief Gulbadin Hekmatyar claimed in his Friday sermon that Norway’s proposal to convene a Loya Jirga was a NATO plan supported by the US.

He recalled: “After the withdrawal of the Soviet troops, all tribal assemblies in the name of Loya Jirga had been called into session in line with US and British proposals.”

The former prime minister asked the incumbent government to continue its work and defy foreign threats and pressures for change.

“Before all else, the first and foremost issue to address is the formation of a powerful body consisting of real and elected representatives of the people to approve the constitution and shape a future system,” he remarked.

Hekmatyar added all issues related to the constitution, -- the system, its name, flag, leadership election, the nation’s role in this, political parties, elections, citizens’ right must be approved by the same body.

He believed the Afghans needed a credible decision-making body to bridge the gap as soon as possible. Such a body alone will be able to strengthen national unity and create a system in which the vast majority will defend itself against any internal or external threat.

According to Hekmatyar, a future government has to be formed in accordance with the new constitution.

The world, under what he called a deceptive cover of an inclusive government, wanted its puppets to join the current government.

Afghan people should be prepared to meet to resolve the crisis in their country, but intra-Afghan negotiations -- involving main parties -- must be conducted without the presence and mediation of outsiders.

sa/mud