Afghanistan Times
Related Articles
“Those who are fighting in Afghanistan are not Afghans. There is no good and bad terrorism,” says President Ghani
By Farhad Naibkhel-KABUL: Assuring Kabul of full support, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that on every step of journey, India would be with Afghanistan.
Modi and President Muhammad Ashraf Ghani inaugurated the newly built Afghan parliament house on Friday. The building was constructed by India as a token of friendship and love to Afghan people and government.
In a not-so-veiled reference to Pakistan, he said: “There are some who did not want us to be here. There were those who saw sinister designs in our presence here. There are others who were uneasy at the strength of our partnership. Some even tried to discourage us. But, we are here because you have faith in us.”
He said that Afghans know that India is here in Afghanistan to contribute and had no intention of competition with other countries, and “to lay the foundations of future, not light the flame of conflict; to rebuild lives, not destroy a nation.”
Modi said, “We will do this from the responsibility that comes from our friendship. But, we also do this with a commitment to peace and stability in our region.”
While appreciating India for the outstanding cooperation and support in different sectors, President Ghani said that there would not be any lies in relations between Afghanistan and India, but there will be only honesty.
Pointing to the historical ties with India, the president said that India also helped Afghanistan in the area of security and recently provided three M-25 helicopters to Afghan Air Force.
He said that construction of the parliament house by India is the sign that it is biggest supporter of democracy in Afghanistan.
Ghani said that Afghanistan wants peace but with dignity. “We want peace but with respect for sovereignty and Constitution of Afghanistan, and because of this we give sacrifices daily.”
Afghanistan has no enemy but also knows friends very well and respect them, he said.
“Those who are fighting in Afghanistan are not Afghans. I am proud that Afghans are not exporting terrorism to other countries. There is no good and bad terrorism,” said President Ghani.
It is pertained to mention that the Afghan parliament’s new building foundation stone was laid in 2005. According to local media reports, the new building cost over $200 million, provided by India.
