Afghan leader issues peace demand to Taliban
Print Edition
AFGHAN President Ashraf Ghani issued an ultimatum to the Taliban yesterday, warning them to embrace peace or “face consequences” after announcing that the death toll from last week’s devastating truck bombing had passed 150.
Ghani has come under mounting criticism over the bombing, the deadliest in Kabul since 2001, with protests and deadly street clashes roiling the Afghan capital as people incensed by spiralling insecurity call for his government’s resignation.
The president made a strong plea for peace at an international conference on Afghanistan attended by around two dozen countries, which was held under tight security as armored vehicles patrolled the streets and fighter jets roared over the capital.
“We are offering a chance for peace but this is not an open-ended offer,” Ghani said.
“Time is running out... this is the last chance: take it or face consequences.”
The conference, labeled the “Kabul Process,” aims to build global support for ways to restore security in Afghanistan.
Ghani offered the Taliban the opportunity to open a representative office, adding that he was flexible about the location of future talks.
The insurgents responded to the conference by firing a rocket at what they claimed was NATO’s headquarters. It landed inside the Indian ambassador’s residence and no one was hurt.
Kabul has been on edge since the massive truck bomb last Wednesday ripped through the city’s highly fortified diplomatic quarter, home to the presidential palace and a host of foreign embassies.
The death toll has jumped to more than 150 people, while over 300 wounded were brought to hospitals, many with burns and amputations, Ghani told the conference.
“We are a nation of survivors. Terrorists can shed our blood but they cannot break our will,” he said.
Previously officials had put the number of dead at 90. Ghani did not explain the sharp jump but Afghan authorities are well known for initially playing down casualty figures.
Four more people were killed on Friday when protesters clashed with police, prompting officials to force them back with live rounds fired in the air, tear gas and water cannon.
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