The Chief Executive’s office, in a statement on Thursday, said that acting Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani has stepped down due to Presidential Palace interference, and against the country's interests and principles.
The statement said that Mr. Rabbani was one of the most successful ministers in the national unity government.
Following Salahuddin Rabbani's resignation from the ministry, disputes between the Presidential Palace and the CEO’s office over Rabbani’s resignation continue.
“We have seen that most of the time the foreign minister must take part in a debate outside the country based on protocol, but others are acting as the political representative of Afghanistan instead, like the national security adviser or acting finance minister,” said Abdul Rahim Rahin, former parliament member.
Rabbani's resignation has also been met with reactions from a number of world ambassadors in Afghanistan, including the US ambassador and EU special envoy to Afghanistan.
“Thanks to Salahuddin Rabbani for being a good partner in supporting the US-Afghan enduring partnership. Glad to hear he plans to continue adding to his family's legacy of service to Afghanistan,” John R. Bass, US ambassador to Afghanistan tweeted.
“Thank you, Minister Salahuddin Rabbani, for the excellent and close cooperation throughout your tenure as Foreign Minister. Sorry to see you leaving at a time when the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan needs unity amongst its political leadership more than ever to achieve lasting peace,” said German ambassador Peter Prugel tweeted.
“Thank you for all the good discussions together, Minister Salahuddin Rabbani. I hope for an inclusive and representative future government that will combine the strength of all major actors to weigh in on the peace process with legitimacy and solidity,” Roland Kobia, EU Special Envoy for Afghanistan tweeted.
Rabbani's critics say he was more interested in party and intra-group activities than in managing the country's foreign policy.
“Ashraf Ghani has been trying to change, improve and move forward foreign policy, but unfortunately the process has not been strengthened by the Foreign Ministry,” said Nizamuddin Katawazi, a former diplomat.
Differences between President Ghani and Salahuddin Rabbani have a long history, as tensions between them have risen several times over the five years with the national unity government.
Last month, following a report by the Independent Joint Anti-Corruption Monitoring and Evaluation Committee (MEC), the Presidential Palace ordered an assessment of the ministry, but Rabbani did not allow the panel to assess the allegations of corruption.
“The argument raised by the CEO’s office that the steps were based on favoritism and bias, and were contrary to national interests, is groundless, and we reject the claims,” said Latif Mahmood, deputy spokesman for the President’s office.