KABUL (Pajhwok): Caretaker government officials on Sunday held a meeting to mark the country’s 105th Independence Day, emphasizing on maintaining freedom and interaction with other countries.
However, they asked neighboring countries not to create problems and tension at borders.
The independence day was celebrated today Sunday. Afghanistan gained independence from the British India on August 18,1919.
Defense Minister Maulvi Mohammad Yaqub Mujahid on the occasion said: “We have a good message for all our neighboring countries, a message of brotherhood. They should never try to create problems for us on the borders, the Durand Line and other areas.”
He added: "If we build a ring road, posts or bases on the borders or if we deploy more forces, this is not a danger for you, we do so to protect our country, honor, it is our duty and we will defend our country at any cost.”
He said all those who had ‘escaped’ from the country should return to their homes in Afghanistan as it was their right.
Maulvi Yaqub said: “You are our brothers, we don’t have any kind of disagreement --- military and political --- with you…don’t confront Afghans with problems, you are our brothers, come and live in your own homes.”
He warned no one would be allowed to create disturbance or insecurity in any part of the country.
The minister said it was the IEA policy not to interfere in the affairs of others.
Maulvi Yaqoob also said America had used all its power against “We have not attacked America from our country and not targeted any of America's targets, we fought them in Afghanistan.”
Acting Minister of Interior Sirajuddin Haqqani said that religious scholars of the time had played a big role in the struggle for freedom and independence of the country.
He said winning and maintaining freedom were both difficult tasks, but the latter was the most difficult.
He emphasized that the enemy was creating problem for their intellectual and physical unity, but the environment of forgiveness became the reason for the unity of all citizens.
He said they believed in positive interaction with the world because it was the need of the hour.
Addressing the meeting, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Amir Khan Muttaqi said: “Countries lacking strong government, organized institutions, army, economy, mutual unity and support of the people fall into the trap of slavery.”
Muttaqi added that interaction with countries was crucial for for political, economic and social development.
Deputy PM for economic affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar said: "The celebration of this glorious day reminds us as a nation of the resistance, sacrifice and unity of the Afghans and Mujahideen, who defeated the British colonialism with limited resources.”
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