The United States opposes any actions to create a parallel government in Afghanistan, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Monday, hours after the country’s president and his main election rival held competing inauguration ceremonies.
“We strongly oppose any action to establish a parallel government, and any use of force to resolve political differences,” Pompeo said in a statement.
Pompeo said that the US strongly supports a unified a sovereign Afghanistan and is engaged in intensive efforts for peace.
“We welcome President Ghani’s statement at his inauguration March 9 that discussions and negotiations will continue for the next two weeks to come to an agreement on an inclusive government which unifies the country and prioritizes peace,” Pompeo said.
“We also welcome President Ghani’s announcement that he will issue a decree March 10 on Taliban prisoner release and the formation of a national team for intra-Afghan negotiations,” Pompeo continued.“We appreciate Dr. Abdullah’s statement March 9 underscoring similar commitments to peace and inclusivity.”
“Conscious of the yearning of the Afghan people for peace,the United States is working to achieve an agreement by the two sides and will remain steadfast in the effort to drive all parties toward that goal,” Pompeo said.
He said that prioritizing an inclusive government and unified Afghanistan is paramount for the future of the country and particularly for the cause of peace.
