The Wolesi Jirga Speaker Mir Rahmani’s remarks on an interim government plan stoked debate in Monday’s session as some MPs said such a plan is against the law and that the Republic must be maintained.
Addressing an event on Sunday, Rahmani said he has found access to the draft of an interim setup and he welcomes it, but he added that the plan needs to be comprehensive.
“The plan, which is said to have been prepared by the United States and the Taliban for establishing an interim government or a proposed peace, has reached us,” the parliament speaker said. “We welcome it because it has mentioned staying with the current system and the national assembly, but it has many problems that need discussion.”
The lawmakers were expected to discuss the budget in the Monday session, but their discussions were mostly about Rahmani’s remarks.
“We want clarification from you on the interim government, Mr. Speaker,” said Abdul Rauf Shpoon, an MP from Nangarhar.
“You are accusing every lawmaker of being an envoy of the national security council,” said Gul Rahman Hamdard, an MP from Balkh.
But Rahmani said that he has talked about a draft that includes maintaining the national assembly and the system and that the issue of an interim government is a small part of it.
“In that draft, the maintaining of the current system and the national assembly have been mentioned. I said that we welcome it,” Rahmani said. “We have not compromised and will not. Those who compromise are evident,” said Wazhma Safi, an MP from Kunar.
Other lawmakers said that a republic system does not mean the presence of some individuals at the Presidential Palace and that the current government’s deeds are against a republic government.
“Now that it is their turn to be dissolved, they say that the country’s interests are in danger,” said Abdul Rauf Inami, an MP from Badakhshan.
“Which Republic are you defending? A republic that is killing our people,” said Fatima Kohistani, an MP from Ghor.
“We support a republic but not individuals,” said Nasim Mudabir, an MP from Baghlan.
Outside the House, some MPs said the newly formed delegation of the parliament for peace should be formed.
“They made the will on behalf of Pakistan… We don’t accept it,” said Humayun Shaheedzada, an MP from Farah.
Meanwhile, another group of MPs said that the new delegation is implementing the demands of the national security council.
“Those who say that Pakistan will be upset are those whose families are still at Shamshatto (refugee) camp,” said Ziauddin Aryaee Nezhad, an MP from Samangan. “They are those who have got a few million afghanis from the national security council. Some have joined them unintentionally.”
“Regarding the claim about the national security council. We defend our security agencies and the government,” said Kamal Nasir Osuli, an MP from Khost.