Government has called for talks with Jamiat-e-Islami in a bid to resolve tensions between the two sides, a party spokesman Zabi Fetrat said on Thursday as ousted governor of Balkh Atta Mohammad Noor continues to defy Presidential Palace orders issued last week.
However, Noor’s close aides have warned that they will not allow government to implement its order and dismiss Noor until a political settlement has been reached.
Last week the Presidential Palace said in a statement that government has accepted Noor's resignation. However, the letter was written months ago and as such Noor rejected its validity.
“Some requests were made from the government side for negotiations; there is the possibility that these talks are carried out next week,” said Jamiat’s deputy spokesman Fetrat.
According to Fetrat, government does not recognize CEO Abdullah Abdullah as being part of a negotiating team. He said that Jamiat will enter into negotiations with the president.
“Naturally our negotiation side will be the presidential palace, ARG has made some requests in this respect,” added Fetrat.
“The main issue is the problem between the central government and Balkh, unfortunately some people came and raised other issues and likened it with Jamiat and their personal agendas, ” said Ahmad Wali Massoud, head of Massoud Foundation.
Noor’s aide said that the continuation of tensions will have serious repercussions for the country.
“Our people will not bow to force,” said Afzal Hadid, head of Balk provincial council.
In addition, Jamiat’s Integration Council has also asked the two sides to resolve their disputes through negotiations.
“What are we fighting for? Are we fighting for posts? Are we fighting for power? Are we fighting for seats (in parliament),” asked Sayed Ekram Massoumi, head of Jamiat's integration council.
“This government belongs to the people of Afghanistan, it is not the personal asset of the president and chief executive officer,” said Almas Zahid, a presidential adviser.
But, the Presidential Palace so far has not commented on possible talks with Jamiat. But a source within government has said the decision about the dismissal of Noor is final and that engineer Mohammad Dawoud will be the new governor .