The Ministry of the Information and Culture on Wednesday reacted to a statement by a number of officials of the former government--who claim to be continuing the work of the former government--saying their efforts are meaningless.

In an 18-article statement released by Afghanistan’s embassy in Swiitzerland, a number of leaders and officials of the former government said the activities of the former government will continue, saying it is the only legitimate government based on the peoples’ vote.

The statement says officials of the former government and a number of political leaders will work so that the former government can continue operating.

Anaamullah Samangai, a member of the Cultural Commission of the Information and Culture Ministry, said their efforts are useless.

“Now there is and will be no opportunity for such opportunistic people to deceive the international community from the address of Afghanistan and the people of Afghanistan,” said Samangani.

In this statement, the officials of the former government said no other administration, in contradiction of the constitution, can replace the legitimate government of Afghanistan. “No other so-called administration can replace the legitimate government of Afghanistan, in violation of the constitution of the country.”

“In the current situation, it seems that they (former govt officials) do not have the moral authority and cannot influence the political transformation,” said Sayed Baqir Mohsini, a political analyst.

Article 4 of the statement reads: “The three branches of state are becoming operational, convening meetings, and adopting decision on relevant issues, and will prepare to resume its activities in Afghanistan.”

“I am not supporting it. The people of Afghanistan are tired of the formation of such a government,” said Sayed Ishaq Gailani, leader of the National Solidarity Movement of Afghanistan.

The statement has also called on all “friendly” and “partner” countries to maintain relations with the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and to avoid granting legitimacy to the Taliban.

Article 2 of the statement said that following the departure of Ashraf Ghani from Afghanistan and his dissociation with politics, based on the constitution the first vice president will lead the country as a caretaker president.

Previously, following Ashraf Ghani’s fleeing from the country, Ghani's first vice president Amrullah Saleh said he was the acting president of Afghanistan.