KABUL (Pajhwok): Presidential runner Hedayat Amin Arsala on Sunday said reviving peace negotiations with the Taliban to end the ongoing conflict would be among his primary goals if he won the April 5 vote.
Addressing hundreds of his supporters in Kabul, the economist said the Afghans demanded peace and stability in their country and did not want to hear gunfire anymore.
“If I win, I will negotiate with the Taliban and focus all my efforts with honesty in this regard. But we have to be more focused on protecting the past achievements,” he said.
Arsala said he would invite the armed opposition to return to their homes and live peacefully and join efforts at developing Afghanistan.
About the former Soviet Union invasion of Afghanistan, he said the Afghans endured atrocities spanning 35 years as a result of the invasion that claimed tens of thousands of lives and destroyed the country’s infrastructures and social values.
About his priorities, Arsala said he would ensure good governance, rule of law, equality education, eliminate corruption, introduce administrative reforms, respect human rights and improve the situation of women and children.
He told Pajhwok Afghan News good governance could strengthen the government’s affairs and muster people’s support that in return would help the government enforce laws.
On international relations, Arsala said he would improve friendship and business relations with neighbouring and regional countries for the sake of improved economic situation in Afghanistan.
He strongly supported signing of the bilateral security agreement (BSA) with the United States, saying it was crucial to continued foreign assistance.
mds/ma