Afghan senators, who held their first session since the end of the summer recess on Sunday, called on the country’s political leaders to end their dispute on the structure of the High Council for National Reconciliation and warned there wlll be tragic consequences if the disagreements remain unsolved.

President Ashraf Ghani last week in a decree announced a list of 46 members for the High Council for National Reconciliation. But the head of the council, Abdullah Abdullah, opposed the decree, saying he has the authority to appoint members of the council in consultation with all stakeholders.

“They have done everything for themselves, not for the people of Afghanistan,” said the deputy speaker of the Meshrano Jirga, Mohammad Alam Izedyar.

“Mr. Abdullah is appointing his own picks and then the president shows opposition. This is not the solution for peace,” said Zalmay Zabuli, a member of the Meshrano Jirga.

“They should not disrupt the country’s national interests for their personal and petty reasons,” said Kamil Bek Husaini, a member of the Meshrano Jirga.

Other members of the Meshrano Jirga--the senate--urged the preservation of the republic and freedom of speech when it comes to talks with the Taliban.

“The rights of religious monitories and women should be ensured,” said Anarkali Hunaryar, a member of the Meshrano Jirga.

“The nation has submitted its advice to the government, the Taliban and Americans. Our demand from the three sides is that they should pay attention to the advice of the nation,” said the speaker of the Meshrano Jirga, Fazl Hadi Muslimyar.

Meanwhile, Fraidoon Khwazoon, spokesman of the High Council for National Reconciliation, said the members of the council will be finalized in the near future and will be announced by the council.

“The head of the reconciliation council has held talks with political and mujahideen leaders. Work is underway on the leadership of the council and will be announced soon,” Khwazoon said.

Ghairat Bahir, a member of the negotiating team of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, said the current opportunity for peace is historical.

“The current peace process should be inclusive and all Afghans should see their presence in it and this opportunity should be properly managed,” he said.