Members of the Meshrano Jirga (Upper House of Parliament) on Sunday urged the country’s influential figures and politicians to end their disputes and stand together to work for the welfare of the people and for the development of the country.
A number of senators criticized government’s internal policies and foreign policy and said Afghanistan’s politicians should first stand united and put aside their differences.
“Government has appointed the head of the High Peace Council, but with whom should we make peace? Peace should first be made inside the government. Where is the president's deputy, where is the CEO’s deputy and where is the acting foreign minister?” asked Senator Sher Mohammad Akhundzada.
“We have approved many development and dam projects, but unfortunately some projects have not been implemented after many years,” Senator Gul Mohammad Rasuli said.
Mohammad Asif Sediqi, the second deputy of the senate meanwhile said one of the reasons for the war in the country was because of the mines and because of water issues.
“I urge the NUG and government officials to support each other instead of disagreeing and to implement projects,” said Sediqi.
Some other senators, however, said they appreciated the implementation of dam projects in the country and said such infrastructural projects would help with the country’s development and that they support government plans in this regard.
“More than 20 big dams are under construction and you see that these dams have shocked the neighbors and regional countries,” Senator Gulalai Akbari said.
The senators also touched on the remarks made by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Afghanistan’s dam projects and said such remarks are an indication of Iran’s interference in Afghanistan’s internal affairs.
“Iran has used Afghanistan's water for 50 to 60 years and it should pay compensation to Afghanistan,” said Nisar Haris, a senator.
Rouhani’s recent remarks drew sharp criticism in Afghanistan by MPs, government officials and members of the public.
Speaking at an environment conference earlier this month, Rouhani said: “We cannot remain silent about the thing which is apparently damaging our environment. Establishment of several dams in Afghanistan such as Kajaki, Kamal Khan and Salma in the north and south of Afghanistan.”
He said the dam projects in Afghanistan “threatens a number of bordering provinces in Iran”.