KANDAHAR CITY (Pajhwok): President Ashraf Ghani on Tuesday said he never discussed with Pakistan the Durand Line as such discussions were not his authority.
The president, who arrived in this southern city of Kandahar with a high-level delegation, was addressing a huge gathering in the Mandigag Place.
Local civil and military officials, tribal elders, influential figures, civil society representatives and those coming with the president attended the gathering.
In his speech, the president talked about problems in Kandahar, relations with Pakistan, the peace process and his own promises.
About Pakistan, Ashraf Ghani said the neighbouring country had been engaged in the state of an undeclared war with Afghanistan for the past few years and thus peace should be made first with Pakistan.
“I have never talked to Pakistan about the Durand Line, I lack this authority which rests with the masses,” said the president.
About the controversial agreement between the spy agencies of Afghanistan and Pakistan, the president said the matter was between the two agencies, but he had to take the affairs into his hands after opposition raised against the deal.
“The memorandum of understanding will be signed with national consensus and keeping in view the national interests,” said Ghani, who called as crucial peace with Pakistan.
The president said during former president Hamid Karzai’s government, Taliban leaders were ether killed in Pakistan or exiled after they had agreed to enter peace talks with the Afghan government. He said peace needed courage and could not be won with emotions.
ma
