Ghani vows to return, ensure justice for Afghans- Denied allegations that he transferred large sums of money
Ghani vows to return, ensure justice for Afghans in 1st address since fleeing- Denied allegations that he transferred large sums of money
Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani, who fled the war-torn country after it was overtaken by the Taliban, is now in the United Arab Emirates, the UAE government confirmed on Wednesday. “The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation can confirm that the UAE has welcomed President Ashraf Ghand his family into the country on humanitarian grounds,” the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said in a statement. On Sunday, Ghani left Afghanistan after the Taliban entered the presidential palace. Ghani said he fled to prevent “bloodshed.”
Former Afghan president Ashraf Ghani said Wednesday he supports talks between the Taliban and top former officials, and denied allegations that he transferred large sums of money out of the country before fleeing to the United Arab Emirates.
Ghani making his first appearance since leaving Kabul on Sunday as the Taliban encircled the capital, a departure that ultimately resulted in their full takeover — reiterated that he had left in order to spare the country more bloodshed.
He said in the recorded video message, broadcast on his Facebook page, that he had no intention of remaining in exile in the Gulf nation and was “in talks” to return home.
He also said he was making efforts to “safeguard the rule of Afghans over our country”, without offering details.
Meanwhile, at least 5,000 diplomats, security staff, aid workers and Afghans were evacuated from the capital, according to a Western security official, as countries sought to step up evacuation efforts.
(With Inputs From Agencies)