Nearly 2 million people were killed and thousands more were left disabled during the former Soviet Union’s more than nine-year presence in Afghanistan.
At a ceremony celebrating the 34th anniversary of the Soviet forces’ withdrawal, acting Defense Minister Mawlawi Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid said, “We should always listen to the legitimate demands of the people and try to gather this nation around us, and then we and our nation will cooperate in every development.”
Speaking at the ceremony, the acting defense minister said that they want to create a government that all Afghan people want.
He said that “in the light of such a government, we want to live freely and without any physical, intellectual, or religious invasion.”
“They (Afghans) must be committed to Afghanistan’s prosperity, reconstruction, and a strong system and not allow Afghanistan to be involved in challenges once again. We should never be arrogant and proud. We should always listen to the legitimate demands of the nation and try to gather this nation around us and then we and our nation will cooperate in every development, and will progress and prevent any possible disaster and not become a victim of the evil goals of foreigners,” he said.
A large number of Islamic Emirate senior officials, including the acting defense minister, attended Wednesday’s event marking the 34th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan (Wednesday).
Amir Khan Muttaqi, the acting foreign minister, said during the event that the current government wants to have diplomatic and economic ties with the international community.
Muttaqi stressed that the world cannot tolerate Afghanistan’s progress.
“We will defend our country, but we also want to have good ties with the world. We want economic, commercial, and diplomatic relations. While we were negotiating with the Americans in Qatar, we were also fighting with them. At that time, we informed them that we would not allow any of you in military uniforms in Afghanistan, but if you come for business and politics, come and have relations with us like other countries. We will also make the announcement today,” Muttaqi said.
The acting Minister of Petroleum and Mines, Shahabuddin Delawar, at the ceremony asked the officials of the Islamic Emirate to support the legitimate demands of the people.
He emphasized that although achieving freedom is important, so is preserving it.
“A minister, a governor, a district governor, a judge, or whoever it is— must support the legitimate demands of our people,” Delawar added.
“Soviet, KGB, and American slaves, there are and will be such individuals in any style and at any time,” said Khalil Rahman Haqqani, the acting minister of refugees and repatriation.
Nearly 2 million people were killed and thousands more were left disabled during the former Soviet Union’s more than nine-year presence in Afghanistan.—TOLOnews
