LONDON: A new peace initiative has been called for Afghanistan, however this time the initiative is not coming from the West but rather from prominent Afghan political figures who want the war to end.
The Front For Compromise and Development (FFCD) was set up by two active and respected founding members, former Ministers Deljoo Hosseini and Hemati Abdul Rahim, who were both in former President Burhanuddin Rabbani’s government before the Taliban took power.
Both leaders who believe the only way forward is through peace, compromise and development, were visiting London to establish an office for the FFCD. At present they are organizing a national conference in Afghanistan to officially launch the organization and will be inviting over 2,000 Afghan key figures across a whole range of tribal, regional, cultural and political divisions.
They argue that the conflict in Afghanistan worsened not only because of the presence of foreign troops in the country, but also because of these political and cultural differences that have been perpetuated as a result of war and lack of development.
The initiative to establish the front has the support of all the prominent leaders in Afghanistan, according to Hosseini.
“Gen. Atta Mohammed Noor, the governor of Balkh province who was appointed by President Karzai is supporting Abdullah Abdullah, President Karzai’s most powerful rival in the upcoming elections.”
Both former ministers say they realize the importance of inviting the Taleban to the conference.
“As you are aware the Taleban has no address, however former interim Prime Minister Ahmad Shah Ahmadzai, who is also supporting us, has contacts with the Taleban and will be advising them to attend the upcoming conference,” said Rahim.
They also believe that only Afghans can resolve the problems in Afghanistan.
