As a result of 40 years of war, more than 2 million people have died in Afghanistan. The Afghan people yearn for a lasting peace.
We thank President Donald Trump and the world community for their efforts to resolve the conflict in Afghanistan so that the Afghan people can once again have lives marked with peace and joy. Our neighbour Pakistan is also interested in a peaceful solution to the Afghan conflict because a peaceful Afghanistan would be beneficial for the entire region.
Of course, we condemn the Taliban attacks in Kabul and other cities, which have killed several innocent people, including women and children. They have also caused significant economic damage. This approach of the Taliban is incompatible with the fundamentals of Islam.
When we take over the reins of power, we would drive the peace process forward. We want a peace in Afghanistan that corresponds to the will of the people. A peace that preserves the honour and dignity of the people as well as the achievements of the past 18 years.
When we take over, Afghans will be able to hold their heads high. We would be able to achieve sustainable peace within three months, at best by negotiating with the Taliban, but, if necessary, by successfully battling the Taliban fighters.
As part of a peace negotiation, we expect the Taliban to break off their relationship with Al Qaeda, IS, and other terrorist groups and agree to a ceasefire. Please refer to our communiqué of 1 June 2018, which remains valid. If the Taliban were willing to negotiate peace on the above basis, we could negotiate with the participation of three parties, namely us as the representative of Afghanistan, Mr Zalmay Khalizad as the U.S. Special Envoy, and representatives of the Taliban. As soon as the peace negotiations begin, we would demand an immediate truce from the Taliban. The Taliban ought to know that they cannot win this war and are already close to defeat. Our party is liberal conservative in its politics. If the Taliban refuses to agree to a peaceful solution through negotiation, then we will fight and defeat the Taliban in the battlefield. Terrorists no longer have any place in Afghanistan.
Mr Ashraf Ghani's term in office ended on 22 May 2019. His remaining in office is therefore unlawful. This illegitimate president is trying with all his might to stay in power together with his mafia gang. To this end, he wants to hold presidential "elections" in order to win another term of office through manipulation of the vote.
We, together with the majority of the presidential candidates, the Taliban, the majority of Afghan politicians, and the Afghan people oppose this call for a so-called presidential election because everyone sees lasting peace as the priority for now. For without peace, the internal security needed to conduct the elections does not exist. We will under no circumstances recognise the results of this sham election. The Taliban's recent attacks in Kabul are also likely to be related to this because they also do not accept Mr Ashraf Ghani and his election plan. The Taliban consider Mr. Ashraf Ghani a liar and a trickster. This is why they refuse to speak with him about peace. Another term in office for Mr Ashraf Ghani would result in another 5 years of war and thus further shedding of innocent blood.
The last 3 elections in Afghanistan cost almost $500 million US (the 2014 presidential & runoff elections, the 2018 parliamentary elections). Given the extent to which the votes were manipulated in all three elections, they were a tremendous waste of money. As if that were not enough, Mr Ashraf Ghani wants to spend another $150 million on the planned presidential election, which, in effect, would be a private election only in his interest.
Mr Ashraf Ghani has been involved in many crimes including election corruption, abuse of authority, corruption, sex scandal, nepotism, and multiple insults. When a new government takes power, he will face the legal consequences for these actions. He should be removed from office and placed under house arrest pending trial. More details can be found in our communiqué of 11 June 2019.
Mr Ashraf Ghani is trying to spread fear among the Afghan people by claiming that any peace negotiated with the Taliban would result in a repeat of Taliban rule as happened in the years 1996 until 2001. This is sheer propaganda on Mr Ghani's part because the Taliban have changed in recent years and should be able to adapt to modern times. Mr Ashraf Ghani has repeatedly tried to block a peaceful solution to the Afghan conflict through sabotage.
With the best wishes
Hayattullah Maiwand
1.Chairman of FDPA