Dostum says Afghanistan’s fragile situation is unstable, calls for national unity
Marshal Abdul Rashid Dostum, leader of Afghanistan’s National Islamic Movement, criticised the country’s current fragile and unstable situation at a gathering in Istanbul marking National Uzbek Language Day, and stressed that fundamental changes would be inevitable.
He said he closely follows political and social developments in the country and that efforts to improve the situation for the people continue. At the meeting, attended by tribal elders, representatives of Afghan associations based in Istanbul and members of the political committee of the National Islamic Movement, Dostum highlighted the need for unity among political factions and the people of Afghanistan.
The leader of the National Islamic Movement also spoke of the effective role of the international community in advancing change, saying that, in his view, fundamental reform in Afghanistan would not be possible without the participation of strong political groups.
In another part of his remarks, Dostum marked National Uzbek Language Day and stressed the need to preserve and promote the Uzbek and Turkmen languages, adding that earlier efforts to recognise these languages should be strengthened and continued.
The remarks came as, five years after the Taliban returned to power, Afghanistan continues to face serious political problems, social pressures and a legitimacy crisis at home and abroad. Dostum urged people not to lose hope and said Afghanistan’s future depends on solidarity and national unity.
