The Presidential Palace on Monday rejected the remarks by First Vice President Abdul Rashid Dostum who accused President Ghani of violation of law, bullying, and use of government resources.

Mr. Dostum made the remarks in an address to tribal elders of the northern province of Jawzjan on Sunday, August 11.

He said that he had warned at the beginning of the National Unity Government not to use Afghanistan’s security agencies for political purposes but he added that this demand by him was accepted in principle but was not implemented.

He also said that Mr. Ghani says in his campaign slogans that he will end bullying and will fight against strongmen and those who violate the law.

Mr. Dostum said he knows that Mr. Ghani is referring to him (Dostum) in his campaign slogans but according to him, the government itself is violating the law.

Presidential spokesman Sediq Sediqqi said Mr. Dostum is part of the government but he has not been on the same page with the president over the past few years.

“Mr. Dostum’s remarks are not relevant. They might have links with election campaigning,” Mr. Sediqqi said.