Ghani: security institutions should take intelligence ‘seriously’

Addressing a ceremony of joint command of the Police and National Directorate of Security Special Units on Saturday, President Ashraf Ghani called on the security institutions to take intelligence reports “seriously”.

“We are now facing an imposed and brutal war, and I am thankful of the National [Directorate of] security because of their important, vital and timely discoveries, and I emphasize that the [gathered] findings and information should be taken seriously and actions should be based on that information,” Ghani said.

Stressing on security forces’ role in the ongoing war, Ghani said that the forces special operations are important as “it creates fear in the heart of the enemy, adding that he will not allow the special force units to be used in outposts.

At the same event, Mohammad Massoum Stanikzai, Chief of National Directorate of Security emphasized on the security force combat in the ongoing war.

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Retirement of 162 Army Generals Sparks Strong Reactions

The retirement of 162 generals of Defense Ministry has sparked strong reactions of former government officials.

On Monday, President Ashraf Ghani said that he has approved the retirement of these general for the sake of bringing reforms.

“We don’t want reforms just for the sake of reforms. This process will continue for our brighter future,” he tweeted on Twitter.

However, former governor of Balkh province, Atta Mohammad Noor who was ousted by the president about two months ago, said that the government wants to replace “loyal” generals with “traitors”.

Criticizing the move, some former military officials said that the government is taking most of the decision based on U.S. considerations.

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Ghani: Balkh issue to be resolved within the framework of Afghan constitution

President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani says the issue of the Balkh political leadership will be resolved within the frameworks of the constitution of Afghanistan.

Speaking to elders and residents of northern Balkh province in ARG Palace on Wednesday, President Ghani said all steps regarding Balkh political leadership have been taken in accordance with the constitution of Afghanistan and the issue will be resolved within the framework of the constitution of the country.

He vowed to bolster the system by strengthening the rule of law and justice, insisting that no one has the right to stand against the national interests of the country and the decisions should be taken based on democratic values and approaches.

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Ghani warns Taliban of ‘revenge’ for recent bloody attacks in Kabul

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has vowed to take “revenge” against those responsible for the recent deadly attacks in Kabul that have killed more than hundreds of people.

“Those who do not belong to this country and declare war must realize that we will take the revenge for every drop of bloods,” Ghani said.

President Ghani in a joint press conference with his Indonesian counterpart Joko “Jokowi” Widodo noted that Taliban rebels are committing violent acts to get rid of isolations.

Ghani thanked the Indonesian leader for his visit and the condolences that Widodo expressed for the victims of the attack in Kabul earlier in the day when Islamic State militants attacked Afghan soldiers guarding a military academy, killing at least 11 troops and wounding 16.

He also called on the International Community to use every options against those countries that supports terrorism.

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Minister Barmak to share probe results of Kabul hotel attack Soon

The Interior Ministry on Thursday said that the security institutions’ investigation over the weekend’s attack on Intercontinental Hotel in capital Kabul has been finalized, soon it will share the results to public.

Sources told Ariana News that the probe team which included representatives from National Directorate of Security, and Interior & Defense ministries have assessed complex angles of the attack on the hotel.

However, the Interior Ministry Deputy Spokesman Nusrat Rahimi said that the final report of the investigation will be shared to public by the Interior Minister, Wais Ahmad Barmak at a press conference in Kabul soon.

This comes a day after President Ghani received report on findings of initial probe over Kabul Intercontinental Hotel attack and he ordered further “comprehensive” investigation to identify security lapses.

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Ghani: Petty politics does not hold any space within our forces

The Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani says the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces are committed to the national unity, insisting that petty politics does not hold any space within our forces.

President Ghani made the remarks during a visit to a compound of the Afghan Special Operations Forces in capital Kabul on Friday.

He said “We uphold the constitution. As guardian of the constitution ANDSF is committed to the national unity. Petty politics does not hold any space within our forces.”

In other parts of his speech, President Ghani hailed the Ministry of Defense for bringing its strategies and programs in line with the current situation that has resulted into the reduction of the Afghan armed forces casualties.

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European Union ‘will not interfere’ in Ghani-Noor saga

The European Union will not interfere in the domestic matters of Afghanistan including the recent tension between the Presidential Palace and Jamiat-e-Islami Party of Afghanistan, the European Union Ambassador in Afghanistan, Pierre Mayaudon, said.

The relations between Jamiat-e-Islami and Presidential Palace strained following President Ashraf Ghani’s decision to accept the resignation of Atta Mohammad Noor as Balkh governor at least 10 days ago.

“We deplore any internal crisis in Afghanistan, especially in the current context where all forces should be united to bring the country and accompany the country towards stability, peace and prosperity,” the European Union ambassador said in an interview with TOLOnews this week.

In response to the European Union’s stance on the rift between President Ashraf Ghani and Atta Mohammad Noor, the ambassador said: “What you are referring to is typically a domestic issue on which the European Union has no say. When we have a say, as a partner and friend of Afghanistan, is that we consider that this domestic matter should be handled by both parties involved.”

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Sayyaf urges Ghani, Atta Noor to end political tensions

Former jihadi leader and chief of the Council for Protection and Stability in Afghanistan, Abdul Rab Rasul Sayyaf, called on President Ashraf Ghani and Atta Mohammad Noor, the ousted Balkh governor, to end their political dispute.

Speaking at a scientific ceremony in Kabul on Friday, Sayyaf said the tensions between Presidential Palace and Atta Mohammad Noor is not in the favor of any side.

“It is not the time for these tensions, it is not the time for the disagreements; it is the time to join hands and save our country,” he said.

About two weeks ago, President Ashraf Ghani said in a statement that he has approved the resignation of Balkh governor.

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President Ghani Leaves For Shanghai Summit In Kazakhstan

President Ashraf Ghani left Kabul on Wednesday afternoon for Kazakhstan to participate in the 17th summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, Ghani’s office said in a statement.

The statement said Ghani will also deliver a speech at the summit and will meet with officials from a number of countries at sideline meetings.

The summit is scheduled to take place on 8-9 June in Astana, Kazakhstan.

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Karzai: Loya Jirga key to resolve the current political deadlock

The former Afghan President Hamid Karzai has said the Loya Jirga could help resolve the current political issues in the country as deadlock persists between President Ghani and Chief Executive Officer Abdullha Abdullah regarding the agreement on Government National Unity.

In interview with Radio Free Europe/Rado Liberty, Karzai said the tradiional Loya Jigar should be organized to be find out a solution regarding the current political deadlock in the country.
Karzai further added that Afghanistan is a country of ‘Jigars’ or gathering of local tribbal elders to resolve issues such as the current deadlock between President Ghani and CEO Abdullah.
According to Karzai, the traditional Jirga could help resolve the issue which would in the better of the two leaders of the unity government if constituational Loya Jigar could not be organized.

The remarks by Karzai came as President Ghani and CEO Abdullah are still at odds as the unity government has completed its two years sicne its formation.

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