Faraidoon Khawzon, a spokesman for Abdullah Abdullah, the chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation, on Thursday said that the structure of the council will be completed in the next few days, however, he did not specify the names of those who will be working alongside Abdullah in the council.
In reaction, a number of Afghan political leaders have said that ongoing disagreements between President Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah are obstructing the appointment of other members of the council.
They also warned that a continued stalemate could put the peace process with the Taliban into jeopardy.
“The consultations about the members of the High Council for National Reconciliation have been completed, we will introduce members of the High Council for National Reconciliation after Eid,” said Faraidoon Khawzon, a spokesman for Abdullah Abdullah.
They are trying to strengthen only their family or ethnic circles to keep them satisfied, they don’t care what kind of pain the Afghan nation passes through,” said Sayed Eshaq Gailani, the leader of Nahzat-e-Hambastagi Milli party.
“Whatever is related to the peace negotiating team, we are fully prepared to start the talks and we are waiting for a directive from the high level officials,” said Farooq Majroh, a member of the government peace negotiating team.
Earlier this month, a source close to Abdullah Abdullah said that he will not finalize the members of the peace council unless disagreements are resolved on the appointment of new cabinet ministers, governors and the heads of the independent directorates.
On May 17, President Ashraf Ghani and his political rival Abdullah signed a power-sharing deal after months of political discord that critics say could have pushed the country towards a new crisis if not resolved.
Based on the agreement, Abdullah was authorized to lead the High Council of National Reconciliation with executive authority and his team will have a 50 percent share in the cabinet.
The political tension emerged as a consequence of the disputed presidential election of last year, the result of which was announced in February.