KABUL: Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has said that peace cannot be established in his country without support by Pakistan. He said as a result ofPakistan army operation in border areas, terrorists are entering Afghanistan to escape from the operation.
Talking to media before departure for Washington on his official visit, Ghani saidPakistan is an important partner of Pakistan for restoration of peace. He said the terrorists were taking refuge in Afghanistan as they are under strong pressure from Pakistani army following its operations in North Waziristan and Khyber Agency.
Ghani said with the summer setting in, terrorists can increase their activities inAfghanistan while Daesh is increasing its influence in the country. He said Taliban leaders were now taking oath for loyalty to Daesh.
He said the international community should not assess wrong estimates of dangers from terrorists.
Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah would meet the U.S. President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Congress members, the NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Secretary of the State John Kerry, Defense Secretary Ashton Carter and other senior U.S. officials.
The two leaders are accompanied by Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani, national security adviser Hanif Atmar, Finance Minister Eklil Hakimi and other Afghan officials, the statement added.
The Afghan leaders hope their first visit of the United States since the formation of unity government would bring significant changes to the country’s economic and security areas.
Afghan sources expected that President Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah will focus discussions around the continuation of U.S. military and economic aid toAfghanistan.
Besides economic and security situations, the Afghan leaders would also discuss on peace process with the Taliban and the presence of U.S. troops in the country.
Kerry has also reportedly invited the Afghan leaders to Camp David – the U.S.president’s retreat grounds – for a strategic discussion. ?Ghani is also expected to speak at the U.S. Congress.
INP/
