Ashraf Ghani & Abdullah sign a power sharing deal in Afghanistan

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and his opponent Abdullah Abdullah have signed a power-sharing agreement to end months-long conflicts.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said that it was a “historic day” for Afghanistan. The power-sharing deal was signed without any international interference.

He addressed the signing ceremony aired on a state-run television channel. He said, “We will share the burden and our shoulders, God willing, will be lighter,”

“In the days ahead, we hope that with unity and cooperation, we would be able to first pave the ground for a ceasefire and then lasting peace.”

Abdullah said that the agreement was made to form “more inclusive, accountable and competent administration”.

He said on Twitter after the deal was signed, “It’s meant to ensure a path to peace, improve governance, protect rights, respect laws and values.”

Abdullah’s spokesperson Fraidoon Khawzoon said to the international news agency, that that it was ensured

Abdullah gets hold of 50 percent of the cabinet and other designations of provincial governors.

Also, the agreement says that Abdul Rashid Dostum will be made his former vice president turned ally of Abdullah, a marshal of the armed forces.

Apart from that, Abdullah will lead to future peace negotiations with the Taliban.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo welcomed the decision. Morgan Ortagus, State Department spokeswoman stated, “Secretary Pompeo noted that he regretted the time lost during the political impasse,”

“He reiterated that the priority for the United States remains a political settlement to end the conflict and welcomed the commitment by the two leaders to act immediately in support of prompt entry into intra-Afghan negotiations.”

NATO also greeted the agreement and focused on maintaining peace. NATO chief said, “We call on the Taliban to live up to their commitments, reduce violence now, take part in intra-Afghan negotiations, and make a real compromise for lasting peace,”