Quote of the Day

Peace www.outlookafghanistan.net ” facebook.com/The.Daily.Outlook.Afghanistan Mankind must” remember that peace is not God’s Email: [email protected] gift to his creatures; peace is our gift to each other. Phone: 0093 (799) 005019/777-005019 Add: In front of Habibia High School, Elie Wiesel District 3, Kabul,

Volume No. 4401 Saturday February 29, 2020 Hoot 10, 1398 www.outlookafghanistan.net Price: 20/-Afs Key US, NATO Officials to Envoys Gather in for Visit Kabul Saturday US- Deal-Signing KABUL - As the Feb. 29. A joint declaration will be gets close to signing a peace deal announced in Kabul simultane- DOHA - Foreign ministers and with the Taliban that has been ne- ously. representatives of almost 30 gotiated for almost 18 months be- These events will follow a week- countries and international or- tween the two sides, the US De- long reduction in violence period ganizations in the region arrived fense Secretary Mark Esper and that started on Feb. 22 and will in Doha on Friday to attend a NATO Secretary General Jens end on Friday night. planned signing ceremony for Stoltenberg are visiting Kabul on According to government num- the US-Taliban deal, according to Saturday, a government official bers, as well as information col- the political office of the Taliban confirmed. lected by TOLOnews, security in . Esper and Stoltenberg will an- incidents – mostly initiated by the The signing is expected to hap- nounce a joint declaration with Taliban – have been significantly pen on Saturday following a so- President Ashraf Ghani, accord- reduced over the last week. far successful weeklong period ing to presidential spokesman Sources another round of a re- of a reduction in violence. Sediq Sediqqi. duction in violence will follow– if The US Defense Secretary Mark The US-Taliban deal is expected the two sides succeed in signing Esper and NATO Secretary Gen- to be signed in Doha on Saturday, the peace deal. (TOLO NEWS) eral Jens Stoltenberg will visit Kabul on Saturday, according to presidential spokesman Sediq Sediqqi, who said the two key of- US Congress Members ficials will announce a joint dec- laration with President Ashraf Demand No ‘Side Deals’ Ghani. The declaration, he said, will be with Taliban a reassurance of the US and NA- WASHINGTON - In an open ian “Islamic Emirate.” TO’s commitment to Afghani- letter to the US Secretary of The letter raises concerns that stan. Uzbekistan’s foreign minister stan and over the past many steps away from a devastating State Mike Pompeo and Sec- the US military will involve the On his arrival in Doha, Paki- Abdulaziz Kamilov, who ar- centuries, we had very close war and towards peace, but it retary of Defense Mark Esper, Taliban in counterterrorism op- stani Foreign Minister Shah rived in Doha on Friday, said humanitarian culture, economic will demand a lot of patience and 22 US Congress members have erations, and that intelligence Mahmoud Qureshi commented he remains optimistic about the ties with Afghan people.” a lot of political will on all sides,” raised concerns over the poten- will be shared with the insur- about the day’s significance to , and that He added: “We have to work to- Doucet said. tial agreement between Wash- gent group. TOLOnews: there is a need to work together gether to bring peace and stabil- Sources said that a six-member ington and the Taliban, saying: Based on the letter, the congress “Tomorrow is a big day for Af- to address the problems in Af- ity to Afghanistan because this delegation from the Afghan “The Taliban has a history of members want no commitment ghanistan and for Afghans. It’s ghanistan, as it is regionally im- is in the common interest of all government, entirely chosen by extracting concessions in ex- of a full US withdrawal in the a great opportunity,” he said. portant. people of our common region.” President Ashraf Ghani, is also change for false assurances.” signed plan, among other de- “Afghanistan is moving towards “We want very much to be op- BBC reporter Lyse Doucet also in Doha to meet with the Taliban According to the letter, the Tali- mands. peace and reconciliation. So, timistic first, and, secondly, of commented on the significance right after the US-Taliban deal, ban will “accept nothing less” The letter also states: “The Tali- tomorrow can set the tone for course we welcome the peace of the event: which is scheduled to be signed than a full-scale US withdrawal ban is not a de facto counterter- an inclusive intra-Afghan dia- process,” he said. “Uzbekistan is “We have to dare to hope, as so on Saturday. But those ...( More from Afghanistan as the group rorism partner, and pretending logue.” immediate neighbor of Afghani- many are, that this will be many on P4)...(1) seeks to establish their totalitar- they ...( More on P4)...(2) 2 February 29, 2020 Main News Page President Decrees March 11 as Balkh Car Factory ‘National Plantation Day’ Struggling with KABUL - President Ashraf Ghani Registration through a presidential decree has declared March 11 as “National Plantation Day and ordered the Ministry of Agriculture to accel- erate efforts at distributing tree seedlings in capital and provinc- es, a statement said on Thursday. “In order to expand green areas, promote plantation of saplings and forestation, the president is- sues a nine-point decree, keeping in view the importance of forest and trees for environment and reduction in pollution,” reads a statement from Presidential Pal- ace. The statement said government officials in ministries and depart- ments were bound to formally kick off the plantation drive on March 11. The president directed the Min- MAZAR-I-SHARIF - A factory far. istry of Agriculture to accelerate in northern Balkh province has He said that 150 people worked the process of saplings distribu- started producing new model in Amin Noor Factory. He tion in central capital and prov- vehicles and rickshaws, but the added that the factory has the inces though a proper plan. government institutions are bound to plantation and its maintenance in their properties and point third says factory officials say they have capacity to produce up to 6,000 First point of the new order says municipalities are bound to plant and protect plantation in public and urban areas. (Pajhwok) problems in the registration vehicles a year. area. Haroon said their products The officials of the factory say would be increased manifolds they invested four years ago if their vehicles were registered Ago Rejects Complaints 10th Afghan Intl. and they are capable of manu- by the government. facturing fuel based and battery He said their electric cars could About Social Media Users Women’s Ski Competition based vehicles and rickshaws. speed up to 70 kilometers per Ahmad Zia Ahmadyar, in hour and cou;d move up to charge of Amin Noor Factory 100km once they were fully Insulting Saleh Held in Bamiyan in Balkh, told Pajhwok Afghan charged. News that they had started pro- He said their fuel based vehi- duction of transport vehicles cles were also very economic as four years ago. they could consume 2.5 liters of He said their factory had full fuel in 100 kilometers drive. capacity of manufacturing both The vehicles produced in the fuel based and electricity vehi- factory can work fine for first cles. He said most parts of ve- 10 years, he said. hicles and batteries they used He said that their vehicles cost were produced in the factory. from $1,200 to $3,000. Ahmadyar said they opened Najibullah Momand, technical the factory in 75 acres of land director of the company, said and invested $15 to $20 million that all major parts of vehicles in the business. were produced in their own He said they prepared raw ma- factory. terials inside the country and He said they only imported imported some parts from In- engines from foreign countries dia and . but now they were trying to “We are ready to offer our vehi- build own engines. KABUL - Afghanistan Attorney AGO said that insulting people BAMIYAN - The 10th round of tively won first, second and third cles and rickshaws to the mar- Thirty people work in the car General’s Office said on Thursday is considered crime according to the Afghan International Wom- place. ket but we still face problems production area alone and two it rejected dozens of complaints the country’s penal code, how- en’s Ski Competition was held on In the men’s ski competition, in registering, this problem cars can be manufactured in a about comments on social media ever, since the complaints were Thursday in Bamiyan and was at- Rahmatullah, Yasen and Nasrul- would solve in three months week, he said. that allegedly insulted Amrullah not made by the victim himself, it tended by 17 athletes. lah respectively won first, second and we will be able to present On the other hand, Emal Ha- Saleh, the first vice president- refused to investigate them. Also, the second round of the and third prize. our products to the market,” he midi, Balkh traffic department elect. This comes as Amnesty Interna- men’s ski competition, attended At the end of the competition, the said. head, told Pajhwok that the In a statement, AGO said that tional on Wednesday criticized by 51 athletes in the Chapa Dara first, second and third place win- Eng. Mohammad Ibrahim Ha- problem about the registra- Green Trend, an organization led the referral. area of Bamyan, was also held on ners were awarded certificates roon, in charge of the vehicles tion of these vehicles should be by Saleh, had referred 39 indi- “No one should face reprisals for Thursday. and cash prizes by the authorities. production in the factory said solved with the traffic depart- viduals to it for investigation over peacefully exercising their right In the women’s competition, Na- The tournament was organized that they had manufactured 75 ment in Kabul and the presi- insults against Saleh. to ...( More on P4)...(5) zira, Begum and Freba respec- by ...( More on P4)...(6) vehicles and 280 rickshaws so dential palace. (Pajhwok) Outlook Horoscope

Aries (Mar. 22-Apr.20) Cancer (June 21-July 20) Libra (Sep 23-Oct. 22) Capricorn (Dec.21-Jan19) Feb 29, 2020 - There is such a thing as being Feb 29, 2020 - You can expect to run a lot Feb 29, 2020 - Money and friendship rarely Feb 29, 2020 - If you overindulged last too honest, Aries. You’ve experienced in of errands today, Cancer, even though you mix, Libra. Keep this in mind today if a night, you’re likely paying the price to- the past how your determination to tell the would probably prefer to stay at home. You friend hits you up for a loan. You’d be bet- day. If your head is screaming and your whole truth and nothing but the truth can have obligations to fulfill for friends and ter off helping her strategize ways to earn blood feels like molasses, you know that cause hurt feelings. Today try to exercise a family, and you can’t bear to let them down. more money. Much as you like to help the too much of a good thing can make you feel rotten! bit of tact and diplomacy. You will still be Try to get everything done as quickly as possible so that underdog, a temporary approach often does more harm Much as you feel driven to get out of bed and get on able to get your point across, with the added bonus that you’ll still have the afternoon free for yourself. than good. A quick loan won’t help your friend’s funda- with your chores, there’s no point, Capricorn. You’d your audience will still be speaking to you once you’ve mental problem of compulsive spending. Offering to pay be better off resting. You’ll be your old self by after- done so. for counseling would be a gift of enduring value. noon. Your work can wait until then. Leo (July 21-Aug. 21) Taurus (Apr.21-May 20) Scorpio (Oct.23-Nov.22) Feb 29, 2020 - You have energy to burn, Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb.18) Feb 29, 2020 - You want nothing more Leo, and you intend to use it. Ask friends Feb 29, 2020 - This is unlike you, Scorpio, Feb 29, 2020 - Without a doubt, there’s a lot than to be alone today. For that to hap- to join you in the park. Or set up a round- but today you’re a lean, mean cleaning of work to be done around the house. With pen, Taurus, you need to turn off your robin tennis match for the afternoon. En- machine. You get it in your head that today’s planetary configuration, you feel es- phone, shut off the computer, and hang a joy your day outdoors, but take care not this is the day for putting your house in pecially vested in making your home look “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door. Even to push too hard. If you strain muscles order, and you set about single-handed- its best. But you don’t have to get everything then, your friends are likely to walk past today, it could be weeks before you’re fully healed. ly doing it. That’s way too much cleaning and organ- done today, Aquarius. Rather than scrubbing floors and the sign and ask what’s for dinner. It’s one of those days. If you pace yourself and take plenty of water breaks, izing for one person to do. Why not enlist some help? dusting furniture, why not invest in a few inexpensive People want to congregate and they want to do it at your then you’ll enjoy the day with no repercussions. Bribe your partner or kids, play some loud music, and items that will perk the place up a bit? A few area rugs house. Order your favorite comfort food and enjoy the all of you will finish the tasks in no time. and scatter pillows could make a big difference! chaos! Gemini (May 21-June 20) Virgo (Aug. 22-Sep 22 ) Sagittarius (Nov.23-Dec.20) Pisces (Feb.19-Mar.20) Feb 29, 2020 - Don’t be surprised if a lot of Feb 29, 2020 - Today you could receive Feb 29, 2020 - You can’t help but feel a bit Feb 29, 2020 - You probably aren’t feel- uninvited visitors show up today, Gemini. word of a promotion or exciting new chal- frustrated today, Sagittarius. There are ing your best today, Pisces. No doubt You could host an impromptu social event lenge at work. Although this is something places to go, people to see, and you can’t your illness is a result of recent over- as neighbors stop by to bring news of chang- you’ve wanted for a long time, you may seem to get out of the house. Your responsibilities are indulgence. You can’t blame anyone es in the area. You have energy to spare right hesitate to accept immediately. Could it be because at home now, and the situation won’t change for a but yourself for your crashing headache and queasy now, so you’re perfectly able to accommo- your self-confidence is rather low right now, Virgo? while. You can, however, plan some mini-vacations stomach. Try not to take your bad mood out on the date your guests. But don’t let yourself get overwhelmed. Don’t let that stop you! This feeling is only temporary, without too much effort. Treat yourself one evening family. Just ask them to close the curtains and shut the Simply offer whatever refreshments you happen to have while the opportunity could develop into something to fantastic take-out food and a sappy old movie. That door. You will emerge in the early afternoon feeling a on hand and let the party take its course. lasting. Don’t lose your chance! might be just the thing to lift your spirits. bit wobbly but definitely on the mend.

Across Yesterday’s Solution 1. Sysadmin, 6. Rescue, 10. Scribbles (down), 14. Located near the poles, 15. Colored part of an eye, 16. Eye layer, 17. Marble, 18. G G G G, 19. Objective, 20. African holly, 22. En- circle, 23. Consume, 24. Poverty-stricken, 26. Prompt, 30. Canker sore, 32. Flip over, 33. Occurring every third year, 37. Kittens’ cries, 38. Front parts of human legs, 39. Largest continent, 40. Choosing, 42. Tugs, 43. Antlered animal, 44. Most recent, 45. Manner of speaking, 47. Dandy, 48. Biblical garden, 49. A type of infantry, 56. Unwakable state, 57. Holly, 58. Large Asian country, 59. Coagulate, 60. Not a single one, 61. Loudly laments 62. Feudal worker, 63. Obtains, 64. Donkeys Down about advice afraid attrac- 1. Extent, 2. Cartoon bear, 3. Smelting waste, 4. Pledge, 5. Make believe, 6. The ability tive begin better black to see, 7. District, 8. Competed, 9. Colognes, 10. A massive inexorable force, 11. Egg- blood clang deem desire shaped, 12. Weepy, 13. Sodium chloride, 21. Unhappy, 25. Poetic dusk, 26. Certain card determine enough expert games or liquors, 27. Type of sword, 28. Whimper, 29. Sow, 30. Pee, 31. Water chestnut, feel impact invite learn 33. Not that, 34. Small island, 35. Afflicts, 36. Not first, 38. Walking heavily, 41. Loving leave list making mewl murmur, 42. A mild powdered seasoning, 44. A parcel of land, 45. Graven images, 46. natural never often prison An evil supernatural being, 47. Facsimiles, 48. Behold, in old Rome, 50. Found in some proud ream roof sadness lotions, 51. Lease, 52. 1 1 1 1, 53. Poems, 54. A coniferous tree, 55. Back talk seven simple slide vale... 3 Editorial and Opinions

In the Name of God, the Most Merciful, the Most Kind The Components of Sustainable Peace in Afghanistan By: Mohammad Zahir Akbari February 29, 2020 the Afghan ethnic politicians have not left a good legacy and po- t the beginning of twentieth century, the geopolitical theo- litical culture in the country. They used ethnic gaps as a political ries were highly highlighted in the world but it lost its im- tool for reaching their individuals goals. They thought if the ethnic Aportance after invention of continental missiles and emer- divisions are eliminated from the country, they would no longer gence of new theories in international relations. Despite this, some be a leader. They concerned to lose many of the advantages which Regional Concern political schools such as Copenhagen security school emphasizes received under name of ethnicity and so their personal interests on importance of regional geopolitics and gives more importance required highlighting the ethnic issues in the country. Similarly, to distance of security threats. According to Barry Buzan, who is a there were also some politicians who were worried about losing Over US-Taliban renowned security studies theorist, we need to reduce the level of monopoly of power when the culture of meritocracy institution- analysis from the global level to the regional level to have more ob- alized in the country. However, the monopolistic policy has not Peace Deal jective understanding from security threats. Therefore, he believes benefited any group in the country. All the ethnic groups includ- ndia and other regional stakeholders appear to be concerned that all those countries which are located in a specific geography ing Pashtun, Tajic, Hazaras, Uzabek and so on are extremely suf- about the peace agreement to be signed between the United States and have security effect on one and other form a regional security fering from the consequences of domestic division in the country. and the Taliban group in presence of leaders of many countries. complex such as Central Asia, Middle East and South Asia. How- In terms of regional factors, Afghanistan needs to gain the sup- I ever, Buzan does not include Afghanistan to any specific collec- port of regional countries because peace and security the country There is lot of mistrust about the peace deal as many fear that the US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan may create a security vacuum tions believing that Afghanistan acts as buffer state between the is largely rooted in its region. If the peace process is not support- and result into destabilization of the South Asian region. three security complexes - Central Asia, the Middle East and South ed by the regional factors such as china, Russian, India, Iran and After protracted talks, which at one stage were at the verge of break- Asia. especially , it would be a great challenge for sustainable down, the two sides are now ready to ink the deal in Doha. It has Historically, this has been more than one century that Afghanistan peace in the country. Given the broad border and wide cultural raised both fear and hope at the national and international levels. is influenced by the Central Asia and South Asia region. Sometimes and historical relations with Pakistan, the role of Pakistan would The fear stem from the Taliban’s hardline ideology regarding their Afghanistan was considered as buffer state between British India be more important. If Pakistan wholeheartedly supports the peace approach to Afghans and to the outside world and their affiliation to and Soviet Union, and sometimes the British or Russians directly or process, the role of others would be limited. Pakistan is consid- other radical groups notwithstanding the fact that the Taliban have indirectly used the Afghan kings and commanders to weaken each ered as second home for most of Afghans and so it must have no pledged not to allow al-Qaida and its affiliates to use Afghan soil for and another. So, regionally Afghanistan had been largely affected security concerns from Afghanistan. Meanwhile, Pakistan and all terror activities. by the set of security in South and Central Asia. Though, during other neighboring countries should have experienced that an in- India, which has constantly supported the stance of the Kabul gov- the World War I and World War II, Afghanistan chose a neutral secure Afghanistan will not be in their interests. An insecure Af- ernment on the talks, is concerned about the outcome of the US- position, but in the late 1970s with joining the Eastern bloc, it broke ghanistan can neither play its natural geo-economic role and nor Taliban deal and has expressed its reservation to the White House. down the regional balance and Afghanistan became a place for the able to eliminate the terrorisms and addictive drugs from which However, Indian Envoy P Kumaran will be present at the signing US retaliation. With supporting Afghan Jehadist group, the United blackmail the entire region. Therefore, if the regional countries do ceremony to be held in Doha. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had States played an important role in trapping the Soviet Union on not support from the peace process, Afghanistan would be an un- detailed discussion with US President Donald Trump, who had a Afghanistan’s soil. After the end of Cold War, Afghanistan lost its predictable place for these countries. recent trip to India, on development in Afghanistan and Trump geopolitical importance but the 9/11 events brought the country In terms of international factors, everyone knows that the pres- briefed him about the proposed peace deal. back to the center of great powers’ attentions. ence of US in Afghanistan has imposed them heavy financial bur- India has several times in the past conveyed that peace agreement In clearer term, prior to the 9/11 event, Afghanistan had been af- den and so they are not interested to continue the trends. Howev- will have serious security implications for the South Asian region fected by regional powers but after that, the international variable er, it does not mean that the US has no more responsibility about and expressed opposition to withdrawal of troops from Afghani- also added in war and peace of the country. Meanwhile, the in- Afghanistan. If the US troops withdrawal or the peace agreement stan. ternal weaknesses and historic tensions among different ethnic with Taliban blemish the two decades achievements in Afghani- Presence of Indian Ambassador to Qatar at the signing ceremony and religious groups have also paved the way for interference of stan, it will neither be acceptable for American public opinion should not be seen as the Indian government involvement in the ne- regional and international factors in the country. So, in order to and nor will comply with the content of strategic agreement with gotiations with the Taliban or with the peace agreement. reach a sustainable peace in the country, our policy makers should Afghanistan. In 2001, Afghan people welcomed the international The Indian government has received invitation from the Qatari gov- consider all these factors. The today’s complicated conflicts of Af- community so as to provide the multilateral interests and improve ernment to attend the event. ghanistan is neither the result of a single factor and nor will have the world security. Therefore, any belittlement to the democratic India remains committed to the Afghan-led or controlled peace pro- a single solution. achievements and human rights values will be disrespect to thou- cess. It participated in the second meeting under the Moscow Format In terms of internal factors, the world experiences shows that the sands of security forces that devoted their lives in last two decades at a non-official level by sending retired envoy TCA Ranghavan. deep feeling of unity and oneness is the first and most important in Afghanistan. India and the US in their joint Communique stated that they share factor for protection and security of every country. It must come out Mohammad Zahir Akbari is the permanent writer of the Daily interest in the united, sovereign, democratic, inclusive, stable, and from national will through creating good educational system, good Outlook Afghanistan. He can be reached at mohammadzahirak- prosperous Afghanistan. They support Afghan-led and Afghan- political culture and good political system. Unfortunately, most of [email protected] owned peace and reconciliation process that results in a sustainable peace. The Communique reiterated the cessation of violence, elimi- nation of terrorist safe heavens and preservation of the gains of the last 18 years. President trump also welcomed India’s contribution to the developmental projects in Afghanistan. India has conveyed to America that troop withdrawal should be The West’s Final Countdown? in a well calculated manner, and it should not lose gains of last 18 years. By: Joschka Fischer Meanwhile, the last 18-year of democratic gains and human rights the terms of the bloc’s next seven-year €1 trillion ($1.1 trillion) bud- and women’s rights also carry great significance for Afghan nation he year is still young, but its historical significance is already get. Part of this involves a new battle over the allocation of regional and state, which defined them as “red-line” not to be compromised clear. At least as far as the West is concerned, foreseeable and Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) funds following Brexit. at the peace table. Tevents in the coming months will have an overwhelming and The Trump presidency has been a negligible factor in the proceed- The national and international concerns are reasonable to some ex- decisive impact on the future. The moment of truth will come on ings. And although a strategy for achieving European sovereignty tent. In his op-ed at NYT, former senior officer in the C.I.A, Douglas November 3, 2020, when voters in the United States elect the coun- necessarily would require new financial commitments, that particu- London, has also doubted the effectiveness of the US-Taliban deal to try’s next president. lar issue has scarcely come up. ensure a sustainable peace and stability in Afghanistan saying there To be sure, US presidential elections have always been globally Instead, within the European Council, short-term national interests is internal mistrust within the Taliban group. London said, “The in- important, because they determine who will lead the world’s most have prevailed. It is as if the world has not fundamentally changed surgency’s leaders also face considerable internal resistance to sign- powerful country for the next four years. But the stakes are much over the past three years. One might think European leaders’ priori- ing a meaningful peace deal. The United States will insist that the higher this time. The re-election of President Donald Trump could ties would adjust to the Trump presidency, the emergence of China Taliban enter negotiations with the American-backed government spell the end of the liberal world order and the system of alliances as a global power, Russia’s bet on military strength and rearma- in Kabul and allow a residual force of American troops to remain that America has fostered since the 1940s. ment, and the rise of the digital economy. But no: self-interested inside Afghanistan to attack and Al Qaeda forces.” He Departing from America’s tradition of global leadership, Trump fa- haggling dominates the agenda in Brussels and in Europe’s national adds, “But it is hard to imagine the Taliban leadership successfully vors a narrow-minded nationalism, and has shown little restraint in capitals (which have always played a fundamental role in EU gov- convincing its fighters and most ardent supporters to accept those undermining US democracy itself, not least by challenging the sep- ernance). Strategic thinking and a sense of historical responsibility provisions….” aration of powers and other core institutions. Should Trump win are, at best, an afterthought. It is evident that the Taliban have not agreed to declare ceasefire af- in November, he will have a mandate to wreak havoc for another Worse, this state of affairs prevails despite the fact that there is no ter the US-Taliban deal saying that it will be discussed in the intra- four years. The result will fit the description he offered in his first more important issue to Europe than the US presidential election. Afghan dialogue, which will be more detailed and tough. That is to inaugural address: American carnage. Europeans should be preparing for the worst. The key question, say, the deal between the two sides will focus on intra-Afghan dia- Make no mistake: it makes a big difference whether Trump is in of- both for Europe and the West more broadly, is whether NATO logue and US troop pullout. Hence, the talks will still have a rocky fice for eight years rather than just four. In addition to Americans, could survive a second Trump term. If NATO were to unravel, Eu- road ahead. Europeans would be the first to feel the consequences of a second rope and the North Atlantic region would suddenly face an enor- Trump also seems a little too much in haste to gain credit through Trump term. The fact is that Europe remains almost existentially mous security crisis. In fact, without the transatlantic bond that the the deal for his presidential campaign. dependent on the US, both economically and for its security. This Alliance provides, one could hardly speak of “the West” at all. And Generally speaking, the US-Taliban deal will be viewed a step for- dependence is a legacy of the twentieth century, with its two world Europe certainly wouldn’t be able to manage its own security. ward to the Afghan peace process and is unlikely to destabilize the wars and its long Cold War. Such deeply rooted historical realities In Brussels, but particularly at the European Council, the top-line region for two reasons. For the one, Washington will maintain its cannot be easily or quickly reversed. Already, Trump has forced agenda should reflect the fact that the strategic groundwork for the residual forces, which will be an indication to the Taliban to be mon- Europe to pursue its own sovereignty; but achieving that end will twenty-first century is being laid now – at this very moment. There itored. Second, the Taliban will be integrated into the system and not come easily or cheaply. is far more at stake than the outcome of the next national election in stop their terrorist activities. When Trump was elected in 2016, almost everyone both inside and any one European country. outside the US was caught by surprise. In 2020, no one will make This is not to discount the importance of regional and CAP funds. Since the Taliban leadership signs a deal, it has to convince all its mil- the same mistake again. But nor can anyone claim not to know what But with all due respect to the frugal net contributors and the poorer itary generals and rank and file to stop their terrorist activities and be they are getting with Trump. He may be a stranger to the truth, but recipient countries that depend on EU disbursements, there sim- disarmed. Moreover, regional and global stakeholders, mainly those he has stayed mostly true to his campaign promises. ply are bigger issues that need to be addressed. Europe’s very se- having strong leverage on the Taliban, should pressure the group to That said, it would be wrong to expect merely four more years of the curity and sovereignty are now at risk. The EU must ask itself if honor its commitment. same. If Trump is re-elected, he will most likely behave even more it is prepared to do what is necessary to remain an independent Sheikh Manzoor is the Editor-in-chief of Aalami Urdu Service and radically and without restraint. He will be fully convinced that he is player, united in the common interest of all Europeans. Otherwise, Hujjatullah Zia is the permanent writer of the Daily Outlook Af- the “chosen one,” having successfully withstood perfidious attacks Europe’s viability as a democratic, sovereign entity in control of its ghanistan and freelance writer by the opposition, the old establishment, the media, and the “deep own destiny will be called into question – and therefore tested by state.” Who would be left to stop him, or at least to chasten him? adversaries – like never before. For all of its disastrous implications, the idea of a “second Trump Joschka Fischer, Germany’s foreign minister and vice chancellor term” has not shaken the European Union from its frustrating habit from 1998 to 2005, was a leader of the German Green Party for al- of pursuing business as usual. EU officials are currently negotiating most 20 years.

Chairman / Editor-in-Chief: Moh. Reza Huwaida Vice Chairman / Exec. Editor: Moh. Sakhi Rezaie Email: [email protected] Phone: 0093 (799) 005019/777-005019 www.outlookafghanistan.net

The views and opinions expressed in the articles are those of the authers and do not reflect the views or opinions of the Daily Outlook Afghanistan. December 19, 2019 4 February 29, 2020 33 Turkish Soldiers Killed in Syrian Mali & France Square Off After French Anti-Terrorist Air Raid in Idlib Troops Accused of Unruly Behavior ANKARA - At least 33 Turkish soldiers were killed troops were fighting alongside rebels in Idlib - com- PARIS - A Malian envoy to France has accused massive civilian and military casualties. in an air strike by Syrian government forces in ments denied by . French troops that form part of a counterterror- The deteriorating security situation – amid a northwestern Idlib province as Turkey vowed “to “Turkish soldiers who were in the battle formations ism force in the country of rowdy behavior in its growing French military presence – has also fu- respond in kind” with attacks on “all” their posi- of terrorist groups came under the fire of Syrian capital city. Paris has dismissed the allegations as eled dissent among the citizens of the Sahel coun- tions. troops,” Russia’s defence ministry said in a state- “not only false, but unacceptable.” tries, Mali and Niger in particular. Mass protests The rapid escalation of the conflict on Friday also ment. The rebuff was issued by Defense Minister Flor- saw demonstrators burning French flags and call- threatened another refugee crisis as media reports Russian state television reported Turkish military ence Parly’s office on Thursday. Branding re- ing on Paris to leave altogether, arguing that a cited Turkish officials as saying they “opened the specialists were using shoulder-fired missiles to try marks by Malian Ambassador Toumani Djime Di- French military presence only foments violence gates” for Syrian refugees to transit unimpeded to to shoot down Russian and Syrian military aircraft allo as “indecent,” it argued that the French troops on the ground in its former African colonies. (RT) Europe. over Idlib. are risking their lives to protect the West African “Despite warnings after the first strike, the Syrian The deaths were the largest number of fatalities suf- country from terrorism. regime unfortunately continued its attacks, even tar- fered by Turkey in a single day since it first inter- France intervened in Mali – its former colony – geting ambulances,” Defence Minister Hulusi Akar vened in Syria in 2016. In response, Turkey warned it back in 2013 in a bid to push back a jihadist insur- said on Friday, adding retaliatory attacks killed “309 will attack “all known targets of the Syrian regime”. gency that was active in the north of the country. regime troops”. “The Assad regime represents a threat to our na- The results of Paris’ efforts, however, have been Al Jazeera could not immediately confirm the re- tional security, the region and Europe since it be- quite modest at best – over the years, the security ported deaths. gan acting like a criminal network terrorising its situation in the region has not improved but actu- “Turkish forces destroyed five Syrian regime chop- own citizens,” Fahrettin Altun, the head of Turkey’s ally deteriorated further. pers, 23 tanks, 10 armored vehicles, 23 howitzers, presidential communications department, told Al The militants, linked to Al-Qaeda and Islamic State five ammunition trucks, a SA-17, a SA-22 air defense Jazeera. (IS, formerly ISIS), have gained a foothold in the system as well as three ammunition depots,” Akar “The regime has taken advantage of the interna- central parts of Mali and spread into the neighbor- added. tional silence in the face of its crimes for years.” (Al- ing countries, Burkina Faso and Niger. Sectarian Russia said Ankara failed to inform it that Turkish jazeera) and ethnic violence persists in the region, while the jihadists frequently launch attacks resulting in Britain Says It Is Prepared to Walk Away from Nigeria Confirms 1st Case of New Virus Post-Brexit EU Talks: ‘We Will Not Trade in Sub-Saharan Africa ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigerian authorities on Friday keeping their distance from people who are cough- Away Our Sovereignty’ reported the first confirmed case of the new corona- ing and washing their hands regularly. LONDON - The British government on Thursday after a yearslong fight since the 2016 referendum, virus in sub-Saharan Africa as the outbreak spread This is the first major country in sub-Saharan Africa set out its stance for post-Brexit trade talks with the and moved into a transition period in which the U.K. to a region with some of the world’s weakest health to evacuate its citizens, while thousands of African European Union with a pledge to walk away from and E.U. will thrash out a comprehensive free-trade systems. students remain stranded and several governments the talks if E.U. negotiators refuse to play ball this agreement to go into effect at the end of the year. The health commissioner for Lagos, Africa’s largest say it’s safer to stay in place and not risk spreading year — with government ministers saying the U.K. Johnson won reelection comfortably in December city with more than 20 million people, said an Italian the virus back home. (AP News) is not prepared to “trade away” its sovereignty to by running of a campaign to “Get Brexit Done” and citizen who entered Nigeria on Tuesday from Milan secure a deal. promising not to delay or compromise the move to on a business trip fell ill the next day. Commissioner “As a sovereign, self-governing independent na- leave the bloc. (Fox News) Akin Abayomi said the man was clinically stable tions, we will have the freedom to frame our own with no serious symptoms. laws, control our own borders, lower all our taxes, Abayomi said officials were working to identify all set our own tariffs, determine our own trade rela- of the man’s contacts since he arrived in Nigeria. La- tionships and ensure we follow the people’s pri- gos state early this month advised people arriving orities on security, the economy and democratic ac- from virus-affected areas to observe 14 days of self- countability,” Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove quarantine while monitoring for any symptoms. told Parliament after the Conservative government Nigerian health officials have been strengthening published a 36-page document outlining its negoti- measures to ensure that any outbreak in Lagos is ating stance. contained quickly, Abayomi said in a statement. Britain formally left the bloc at the end of January, He urged Lagos residents to take measures such as

(1) Envoys Gather ... vices Committee asked Defense Sec- tion with the Bamiyan Local Author- in late December 2019. The number of said. retary Esper and Gen. Mark Milley, ity, the Ski Federation, as well as oth- people killed by the disease is nearing The IMF had further noted in its state- familiar with the talks say the Taliban the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of er organizations. (TOLO NEWS) 3,000. Over 83,300 people have been ment that “all end-December perfor- might not be willing to talk to the Af- Staff about any “side deals” or “se- confirmed as infected. mance criteria were met and structur- ghan-government delegation. (7) Putin, Erdogan ... cret annexes” in the planned US-Tal- Some sources claim the coronavirus al benchmarks have been completed” “I think the arrival of the delega- iban deal, and wanted Gen. Milley to said. outbreak started as early as November and in terms of performance, Pakistan tion was a little early,” said Sami confirm that working with the Tali- “It was reported just 90 minutes ago 2019. The symptoms include cough, achieved all economic targets. Yousafzai, a freelance journalist in ban in a counterterrorism role was that the Russian and Turkish nego- headache, fatigue, fever, aching and The IMF mission led by Ernesto Qatar. “The Taliban, ultimately, will tiators who were working in Ankara difficulty breathing. It is primarily Ramirez Rigo had visited Islamabad have to talk to the Afghan govern- “lunacy.” yesterday and the day before yester- spread through airborne contact or during February 3-13 to initiate dis- ment for the release of their prisoners Both Esper and Milley expressed no day agreed to continue their activity contact with contaminated objects. cussions on the second review of the but it was required that the (Afghan specific knowledge about what Rep- today,” Lavrov said. Chinese health authorities say that authorities’ economic reform pro- government) delegation would have resentative Cheney was referring to, “So, I do not think we are speaking of the majority of the people who have gramme supported under the Extend- been here after all the issues concern- with Esper saying: “Nothing comes to mind right now any insurmountable problems for the died were either elderly or had under- ed Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement. ing the peace deal are solved.” (TOLO Astana format and I have no doubt that you’re mentioning,” Both men lying health problems. (Trend) At the conclusion of the visit, Rigo NEWS) that if the military, diplomats, and se- reiterated that the deal is entirely had said that the IMF team had “con- curity service officers of our countries (11) Malaysian ... (2) US Congress ... “conditions-based” and the main pri- structive and productive discussions manage to concentrate on the basic Thursday that parliament’s vote was are ignores their long-time jihadist ority is to prevent Afghanistan from with the Pakistani authorities and agreements regarding the Idlib de-es- needed after the king failed to find mission and action. They continue to becoming a safe haven for terrorists. commended them on the consider- calation area these agreements can be any candidate able to win majority be closely allied with al-Qaeda and (TOLO NEWS) able progress made during the last transformed into practical actions,” support during two days of consulta- fight alongside them.” few months in advancing reforms and (3) US Envoy ... he said. (Interfax) tions with the 222 elected members of The congress members have also sug- continuing with sound economic poli- parliament. gested a set of demands which are as US-Taliban peace deal is expected to (8) Promising ... cies”. (Pakistan Today) But his announcement had angered follows: be signed on Saturday, February 29. sive governments have failed to tackle Anwar, who said the king has the (15) OSCE Promotes ... • Any deal between the US “The peace-negotiating team should social hardship and unemployment. power to choose a prime minister nar is a continuation of the Centre’s and the Taliban will be public and be created, but it should be an in- Fakhfakh, who was designated prime based on whoever he thinks is most long-term support to the Government not contain any secret annexes or side clusive team and it should cover all minister last month by President Kais likely to be able to form a govern- of Turkmenistan in advancing its deals. groups and factions,” said Habiba Saied, has brought parties from across ment. (Reuters) AML/CFT system in compliance with • The administration will not Sarabi, the deputy head of the High the political spectrum into his cabi- FATF standards. put American security at risk by pre- Peace Council. (12) Mexico Court ... net - and they continue to disagree on “In line with the OSCE strategic docu- tending that the Taliban is a reliable Meanwhile, a six-member delegation several big policy areas. Lopez Serrano, who allegedly paid ments, the participating States man- counter-terrorism partner. from the Afghan government, entire- The new government must tackle high 100,000 pesos for the killing and sup- dated the Organization to implement • There will be no intelligence ly chosen by President Ashraf Ghani, public spending and politically sensi- plied the weapons, has always denied activities in the area of combating sharing or “joint counterterrorism” is on its way to Doha to meet with tive reforms to energy subsidies and the claims. money laundering and terrorist fi- center established with the Taliban. the Taliban right after the US-Taliban state firms. Juan Francisco Picos Barrueto, having nancing, including building the na- This would be a farce and put Ameri- deal, scheduled to be signed on Sat- “The country will not move forward refused to plead guilty in exchange tional capacities to implement de- can lives at risk. urday, sources said. (TOLO NEWS) without reforms, and when reforms for a sentence of 20 years and eight manding international standards and • Decisions about US troop (4) 30 Suspected ... begin, each party concerned will re- months in prison, will be tried in practices,” said Ivana Markovic Bos- levels in Afghanistan must be made sist and say no. After that, everyone March as the main perpetrator. based on US national security re- Ashraf Ghani has ordered allocation kovic, Officer-in-Charge of the OSCE will ask ‘where are the reforms’,” The murder in one of the deadliest Centre in Ashgabat. quirements determined by conditions of $25 million for measures to coun- countries for members of the press the outgoing Prime Minister Youssef “All 57 OSCE participating states are on the ground. Therefore, any deal ter the spread of the deadly virus, in sparked international condemnation. Chahed told Fakhfakh in the ceremo- members of FATF, which establishes must not contain a commitment for light of the swelling number of cases ny. (Reuters) (AFP) a full US withdrawal at this point. in neighboring Iran. international standards for combat- Such a commitment would embolden The virus has spread to more than 30 (9) Pro-Gov’t ... (13) Pope Ill for ... ing money laundering and terrorist America’s adversaries and undermine countries, killing over 2,700 and in- ous prison swap. executives from Microsoft Corp, In- financing and/or one of the FATF- our allies, including the Afghan gov- fecting 80,000, mostly in China, with As the main Yemeni port city along ternational Business Machines Corp, style regional bodies, including the ernment. new outbreaks in Europe, the Middle the coast of the Red Sea, Hodeidah is and other technology companies. Eurasian Group on Combatting Mon- • Any deal with the Taliban East and in Asia fanning fears of the the key lifeline entry of most ’s His speech to them from the Apostolic ey Laundering and Financing of Ter- will include the requirement that the contagion taking hold in poor na- commercial imports and humanitar- Palace was to have been streamed to rorism – to which Turkmenistan is a Taliban turn over all al-Qaeda leaders tions which lack the healthcare infra- ian aid. participants of a conference in Rome party,” added Markovic Boskovic. “It and operatives who are currently hid- structure to cope. (Pajhwok) The grinding war of more than five on ethics in Artificial Intelligence is our strong belief that the event will support the efforts of relevant insti- ing in Taliban strongholds. (5) Ago Rejects ... years has pushed over 20 million peo- (AI). • There will be no uneven or ple to the verge of starvation. At the conference, Microsoft, IBM, the tutions in Turkmenistan to prepare premature release of Taliban prison- freedom of expression,” Amnesty In- The Iran-allied Houthi militia control Vatican and the U.N. Food and Agri- for the EAG’s mutual evaluation this ers. ternational South Asia said on Twit- much of Hodeidah while the Saudi- culture Organisation (FAO), signed a year.” • Current sanctions and des- ter. backed government troops have ad- memo of understanding on AI. (OSCE) ignations against the al-Qaeda-allied Saleh responded saying “no one is vanced to its southeastern districts of The pope usually spends mornings (16) FAO, EU ... will remain in threatened, pushed or pulled in any the strategic port city. (Xinhua) making speeches to groups and meet- tural policy reforms in the country, place regardless of any deal with the manner by myself or Green Trend.” (10) ... ing heads of state in the Vatican’s Ap- Taliban. “Laws on Internet bullying and cy- ostolic Palace. A number of people including the development of rel- This comes as the US and the Taliban bercrime have been passed by our to receive tourist visas in Saudi air- wore masks in St. Peter’s Square at evant strategies, designing institu- are expected to finalize a peace deal parliament. Illegal intrusion and ports. his Wednesday general audience. (Re- tional frameworks and strengthening on February 29, if the ongoing reduc- baseless allegations are seen as of- As of Feb. 28, 2020, no coronavirus uters) the technical knowledge and skills of government and non-governmental tion in violence (RIV) period is con- fence in all countries,” Saleh wrote cases have been reported in Kazakh- (14) IMF, Pakistan ... cluded successfully. on Twitter. (1TV NEWS) stan. institutions. few months in advancing reforms and Uzbekistan, US Interpol Discuss Cre- US Representative Liz Cheney, a sig- (6) 10th Afghan ... The outbreak in the Chinese city of natory of the letter, on Wednesday at Wuhan - which is an international continuing with sound economic poli- ating Channel for Direct Information a hearing of the House Armed Ser- the Bamiyan Ski Club in collabora- transport hub - began at a fish market cies,” the global financial body had Exchange. (Trend) 5 February 29, 2020 International

MOSCOW - The presidents of Russia and Turkey, Vladimir Pu- Neighbor News tin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan,

discussed the progress of settle- ment in Idlib in a phone call on Member of Tehran City Friday, Russian Foreign Minister Council: Up to 15,000 Sergei Lavrov told the press. “There is always space for dia- People Might Be Infected logue; the presidents, Putin and with Coronavirus in Iran Erdogan, had a phone call today TEHRAN - The num- Nahid Khodakarami at the request of the Turkish lead- ber of infected people announced at a meet- er,” Lavrov said. in Iran could be from ing the Tehran City “The conversation was detailed 10,000 to 15,000 peo- Council on Feb. 28, and focused on the need to ful- ple, a member of the Trend reports citing fill the original agreements per- Tehran City Coun- ILNA. The death rate taining to the Idlib de-escalation cil claimed. “Last from the coronavirus area,” he said. Wednesday, when in Iran is higher than “The possibility of holding neces- it was announced in other countries sary consultations in the near fu- that Coronavirus where the infection ture was also discussed,” Lavrov has spread in Iran, has spread. The Is- said. we wrote a letter to lamic Republic only The presidents of Russia and Tur- the Mayor of Teh- announced its first key also discussed “the possibility ran with a request to infections and deaths of the soonest arrangement of nec- set up special head- from the coronavirus essary contacts on some level,” he quarters in Tehran,” on Feb. 19. (Trend) Putin, Erdogan Discuss Idlib Over Phone - Lavrov ...(More on P4)...(7) IMF, Pakistan Reach Promising Political Stability, Pro-Gov’t Yemeni Exchange Prisoners with Staff-Level Agreement New Tunisian Government Houthis in Hodeidah: Official for $450m Tranche Takes Office ISLAMABAD - Paki- ton. ADEN, Yemen - A prisoner stani authorities and IMF spokesman Gerry TUNIS - Tunisia’s new forts to tackle looming swap between pro-govern- the International Mon- Rice also confirmed coalition government economic problems. ment Yemeni forces and etary Fund (IMF) staff this and said the staff- took office on Friday “Our country is tired Houthi militia took place have reached an agree- level agreement would and Prime Minister of frequent changes on Thursday in the coun- ment that could pave be reviewed by the Elyes Fakhfakh said of governments in the try’s Red Sea port city of the way for a disburse- Fund’s executive board the country needed past nine years... we Hodeidah, a military offi- ment of $450 million in and IMF management political stability to want political stabil- cial told Xinhua. IMF funds, if approved in early April. “Com- start urgent reforms ity,” Fakhfkah said at According to the military by the IMF’s execu- pletion of this means and revive the ailing his‬ ‮signing-ceremony.‬‬ source who asked to remain tive board, IMF said on that the disbursement, economy. Although Tunisia has anonymous, “two pro-gov- Thursday. when approved by the Parliament approved managed to move ernment soldiers were set “The IMF staff and the executive board, would the coalition in the ear- peacefully to democ- free in exchange for the re- Pakistani authorities be around $450m to ly hours of Thursday racy after throwing off lease of three Houthi rebels have reached a staff- Pakistan, Rice told a after a day of debate, autocratic rule in the from the jail manned by the level agreement on regular IMF briefing. ending months of po- 2011 revolution that government forces in Ho- eastern part of Hodeidah rivals, the source said. several soldiers from the policies and reforms At the end of 10-day litical wrangling that triggered the “Arab deidah.” under the direct supervi- He added that the pro- Houthi jail in Hodeidah needed to complete the talks with the govern- has slowed the North spring”, nine succes... The prisoner swap oc- sion of a joint team repre- government forces suc- during a similar previ... second review of the ment last month, the African country’s ef- (More on P4)...(8) curred in Kilo16 area in the senting the two warring ceeded also in freeing (More on P4)...(9) authority’s reform pro- IMF had announced gramme supported un- that Pakistan had der the Extended Fund achieved all of its eco- Saudi Arabia Suspends Visas Issuance to Kazakh Malaysian Turmoil Deepens Facility (EFF),” said nomic goals in terms with Mahathir Fate in Doubt Ernesto Ramirez Rigo, of performance. “Con- Citizens Amid Coronavirus Spread IMF Mission Chief for siderable progress has KUALA LUMPUR - ter the world’s oldest Pakistan, in a statement been made in the last NUR SULTAN - Saudi Uncertainty grew over head of government issued from Washing- ...(More on P4)...(14) Arabia suspends issuing the political fate of plunged Malaysia into of tourist visas to Kazakh Malaysia’s 94-year-old turmoil by resigning citizens in order to pre- Mahathir Mohamad on unexpectedly. OSCE Promotes Best Practices vent coronavirus spread- Friday after the royal Widely perceived as an in Anti-Money Laundering and ing, Trend reports with palace rejected a plan attempt to consolidate reference to Kazakh me- Countering Terrorist Financing for selecting a new power, Mahathir’s res- dia. Efforts in Turkmenistan prime minister an- ignation on Monday The information said that nounced by the man tore apart an alliance the Saudi Arabia sus- ASHGABAT - Prepa- by representatives of who has dominated the with old rival An- pends issuance of online rations for the expect- law enforcement agen- country for decades. war Ibrahim, 72, that tourist visas to citizens of ed regular Eurasian cies, supervisory bod- Mahathir’s party brought them surprise seven countries. group’s (EAG) mutual ies, and other relevant dropped him as its election victory on an “In order to prevent evaluation of Turk- government and non- candidate for the pre- anti-corruption plat- menistan’s compli- government agencies. coronavirus spreading, pan, Singapore, South suspended,” the report tioned above countries miership, and chose his form in 2018. ance to the Financial The OSCE Centre in issuance of tourist visas Korea, Malaysia, Italy said. will also not be allowed next-in-line Muhyiddin Mahathir had said on Action Task Force’s Ashgabat organized to citizens of China, Ja- and Kazakhstan is being Citizens of the men- ...(More on P4)...(10) Yassin, four days af- ...(More on P4)...(11) (FATF) standards on the seminar to facilitate anti-money launder- the exchange of best ing and countering of practices in preparation Mexico Court NATO to Hold Emergency Meeting at UN Agency Says 35 financing of terrorism of the EAG’s mutual Jails Man Over Migrants Rescued Off (AML/CFT) efforts, evaluation process on Turkey’s Request to Discuss Escalation including 11 indicators combating money laun- Murder of in Idlib – Secretary General Libyan Coast of effectiveness and 40 dering and financing of Journalist Valdez TRIPOLI - A commercial ship rescued 35 technical recommenda- terrorism, including the ANKARA - Repre- Europe-bound migrants off Libya’s Med- tions, were the focus accumulation, analy- MEXICO CITY - One of the sentatives of NATO iterranean coast and returned them to the of an OSCE seminar sis and compilation of murderers of acclaimed jour- members will hold an capital, Tripoli, the UN migration agency from 26 to 28 February quantitative and quali- nalist and AFP contributor Ja- emergency meeting said. 2020 in Ashgabat. The tative data. The semi... vier Valdez Cardenas was sen- after Turkey called for The International Organization for Mi- seminar was attended (More on P4)...(15) tenced Thursday to 14 years consultations follow- gration posted on Twitter that the mi- and eight months in prison by ing the deaths of its grants, intercepted on Thursday, were FAO, EU Support Veterinary a Mexican court. soldiers in Idlib prov- given medical assistance and relief items Heriberto Picos Barraza, nick- ince, alliance chief upon disembarkation. Services to Develop named “El Koala”, was one of Jens Stoltenberg has “Saving lives at sea is a moral and legal Strategy in Tajikistan the perpetrators of the crime said. The meeting has obligation. It is, however, unacceptable committed in the northwest- been called under Ar- that migrants continue to be returned to DUSHANBE - A one- diseases. The strategy ern city of Cualiacan in May ticle 4, which allows an unsafe port,” said the IOM.(Aljazeera) day workshop was held will represent a road- 2017, according to the pros- any member to request in Dushanbe to finalize map for the develop- ecution. consultations with the strategy for devel- ment of this sector and He had served as a driver for other allies when they New Delhi Hit by Worst oping veterinary ser- will support putting two men, Juan Francisco Picos feel that their “territo- were injured during sian Defense Ministry Violence in Decades: What vices in Tajikistan. This it into action. It also Barrueto and Luis Idelfonso rial integrity, political an airstrike in the Syr- added that Turkey document, based on serves as a tool for an- Sanchez, who shot Valdez out- independence or se- ian province of Idlib. didn’t notify them of You Need to Know rigorous analysis and ticipating opportunities side his office. curity is threatened,” Russia said the Turk- its forces’ presence in NEW DELHI - New Delhi is reeling from days diagnosis, was initiated and challenges in the A co-founder of the weekly the short message ex- ish troops got in the area of the strike, of violence, described as some of the worst the by the Association of livestock subsector. newspaper Riodoce, Valdez, plained. harm’s way because so Damascus had Indian capital has suffered in decades. Veterinarians of Tajiki- Moreover, a participa- 50, was one of the most promi- This comes after 33 they were among ‘ter- no reason to believe Dozens of people have been killed and more stan and the Committee tory approach with ex- nent chroniclers of Mexico’s Turkish soldiers were rorist forces’ during it was targeting the than 200 were wounded since the unrest be- for Food Security under tensive consultations deadly drug war in a state killed and some others the attack. The Rus- Turks. (RT) gan on Sunday in largely Muslim-populated the Government of the with all stakeholders, where notorious kingpin Joa- areas in northeast Delhi. Republic of Tajikistan, including ministries, quin “El Chapo” Guzman Protests against a new citizenship law, which supported by the Food academia and profes- once reigned. Pope Ill for Second Day, Postpones critics describe as divisive, discriminatory and Agriculture Orga- sional organizations, The public prosecutor’s office and running counter to the country’s secular nization of the United was adopted during ordered the accused to pay 9 Audiences but Working constitution, erupted in December and were Nations and the Euro- the development of this million pesos (around 420,000 VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis is still ni said the pope had said early morn- joined by people from all religions and minori- pean Union, EU Del- strategy. This approach euros, $460,000) to the journal- “slightly unwell” and has postponed ing Mass as customary in the chapel ties across India. (Aljazeera) egation to Tajikistan will promote strength- ist’s family. all official audiences for Friday but is of the Santa Marta guest house where said. ening and enhancing of The sum will be covered by working from his residence. he lives and greeted those who at- The country needs the current achievements the Executive Commission for In a statement, the Vatican did not tended. strategy to ensure more when providing a clear Victim Assistance (CEAV), a specify what the 83-year-old pope “But he thought it was best to post- efficient veterinary ser- vision adapted to the branch of the interior ministry. was suffering from. pone today’s official audiences. The vices and provision of local, regional and in- The prosecution argued that At his general audience on Wednes- meetings scheduled to take place in the food safety, while ternational contexts. the assassination was ordered day he appeared to have a cold and Santa Marta will take place regular- dealing with many sig- Since 2016 the Euro- by Damaso Lopez Serrano, spoke with a slightly hoarse voice, ly,” Bruni said. nificant challenges such pean Union and FAO the son of a drug trafficker, and he coughed during an afternoon Bruni said the pope was still “slightly as climate change, the are working together who was furious at having Ash Wednesday service in a Rome unwell”. emergence of new dis- to support the agricul... been criticized in an article by church, his last appearance outside On Friday morning, he was to have eases and cross-border (More on P4)...(16) Riodoce....(More on P4)...(12) the Vatican. Spokesman Matteo Bru- received...(More on P4)...(13) www.outlookafghanistan.net www.thedailyafghanistan.com facebook.com/The.Daily.Outlook.Afghanistan facebook.com/The.Daily.Afghanistan Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Phone: 0093 (799) 005019/777-005019 Phone: 0093 (799) 005019/777-005019 Add: In front of Habibia High School, Add: In front of Habibia High School, District 3, Kabul, Afghanistan District 3, Kabul, Afghanistan Back Page Saturday February 29, 2020

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Sacrifices Offered by Security 5,000 Taliban Prisoners 2 Security Personnel to Be Released after the Wounded in Herat Forces Pave Way for Peace: Signing of Peace Deal Mohib with US: Shaheen

HERAT CITY - Taliban gunmen kidnapped a colonel and wounded two security personnel during separate attacks in western of Herat prov- ince, an official said on Thursday. Governor spokesman JilaniFarhad told Pajhwok Afghan News the Taliban abducted the colonel to an unknown direction from Zawol district on Wednesday. He also said the Taliban attacked security forces and injured two security men injured in Shindand district. “It’s a week of violence reduction, but the Taliban are not living up to their commitment, while Af- KABUL - The Taliban group and Afghan govern- ghan forces are loyal to their commitment in this ment are expected to exchange at least six thou- regard,” he added. sand prisoners following the signing of peace The militants, on the other hand, have not yet deal between Taliban and Washington. commented. (Pajhwok) Suhail Shaheen, a spokesperson of the political office of Taliban in Qatar has confirmed to RFE/ RL that the group would definitely launch intra- 7 Taliban Men Killed Afghan talks after the signing of the deal. However, Shaheen said trust-building measures in Balkh Car Blast would be a prerequisite for the launch of the in- MAZAR-SHARIF - Seven Taliban militants have KABUL - National Security troops. I want to thank all those professional, brave and fur- tra-Afgahn dialogue. been killed in a blast caused by their own explo- Advisor Hamdullah Mohib on families who devoted their love nished with love for the coun- According to Shaheen, the Afghan government sives in northern Balkh province, the 209 Shaheen Friday said that sacrifices of the ones to the defence of our land try and nation and have no will release 5,000 Taliban prisoners in its first step Military Corps said Thursday. Afghan security forces helped and protection of our people,” match in the world,” he said. to build trust and similarly the Taliban group A statement from the Corps said the Taliban were complete the election process said Mohib in his message. Mohib said: “Our security forc- will release 1,000 security personnel. travelling in a car that exploded in Pul-Baladi vil- successfully and paved the He said security forces ren- es are heroes of war today and Shaheen also confirmed to RFE/RL that the Tali- lage of Dowlat district late Wednesday night way for peace and stability in dered sacrifice day and night peace tomorrow.” ban group is expected to sign the peace deal with The blast killed all seven Taliban and destroyed the country. so that the citizens of this land It is worth mentioning that the United States on coming Saturday. their car. “I want to congratulate the could live in peace and be safe Febraury 28 is marked as Na- He also added that Mullah Civilians or security forces escaped unharmed in National Security Forces Day from enemy’s threats. tional Security Forces Day. (Pa- will likely sign the agreement in Qatari capital of the blast. to our brave and courageous “Our security forces have been jhwok) Doha, in the presence of the representatives of 26 The Taliban have not yet commented in this re- countries. (KHAAMA PRESS) gard. (Pajhwok)

US Envoy Asked Abdullah’s Team for List of Negotiators: Mohaqiq KABUL - The US Special Repre- to be given to them (US) today, qiq. sentative for Afghanistan Rec- other parties will also meet The Presidential Palace mean- onciliation them (US) including the govern- while said that the peace-nego- reportedly asked the Stability ment and some other prominent tiating team will be inclusive. and Convergence campaign, led personalities,” said Mohammad “The peace-negotiating team is by CE Abdullah Abdullah, to Mohaqiq. a small team, but it is an effec- share some names as part of an Mohaqiq reiterated that the divi- tive and inclusive team and it Afghan government’s peace- sion between the Afghan politi- will go for negotiations from the negotiating team to talk to the cal parties and the government address of the Islamic Repub- Taliban, said Mohammad Mo- has prevented the establishment lic of Afghanistan,” said Dawa haqiq, the second deputy of CE of a reconciliation council. Khan Meenapal, deputy spokes- Abdullah, as the reduction in “If there were no more distanc- man to President Ashraf Ghani. violence plan (RIV) enters the es and the government and the The intra-Afghan talks are ex- sixth day. political parties were close with pected to start ten days after the “He (US envoy) asked the Sta- each other, there would have signing of the peace agreement bility and Convergence team been a chance to create a recon- between the US and the Taliban. for a list and the list is expected ciliation council,” added Moha- The ...( More on P4)...(3)

Badakhshan Women Welcome Afghani Value Surges 30 Suspected Coronavirus RiV Week, Urge Lasting Peace 2.2pc During RiV Week Cases Sent to FAIZABAD - A number of women and girls in north- peace; after five peaceful days, we do not expect KABUL - Since the start of the Reduction in Vio- Central Lab: MoPH ern of Badakhshan province on Thursday welcomed more violence, we want the armed opposition to KABUL - The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) the Reduction in Violence (RiV) week and asked the come and join the peace process and stop the war lence (RiV) week and on the eve of the signing on Thursday said only one positive coronavirus warring parties to agree on a lasting peace and end so we do not see more bloodshed in our country,” of US, Taliban agreement Afghani gains 2.2 per- case has been found among 30 suspected cases to the war. she added. cent value against dollar in the open market. sent to the central laboratory from some prov- The RiV week between the Taliban, US and Afghan Nazifa Mursal Wajahat, a member of the United Talks between the Taliban and US continued inces. government started on February 22 after over a year Women’s Association and deputy head of the Peace from the past one year which successfully con- The ministry in a statement said 15 suspected of negotiations between the Taliban and US. Corps, also praised the reduction in violence and cluded before the start of the RiV week last Sat- A peace deal is expected to be signed between the said the parties involved showed they wanted urday. coronavirus cases were sent to the central lab- US and the Taliban at the end of the ongoing seven- peace. (Pajhwok) Both sides are scheduled to inked the historic oratory from Herat, Ghor, Kabul and Baghlan day RiV period on February 29 and after that intra- agreement on 29th of the February after which provinces during the past 24 hours alone, swell- Afghan peace talks will begin. the intra-Afghan talks would begin. ing the total number of suspected cases to 30. Dozens of women, girls, and members of civil soci- The RiV week resulted in the surge of Afghani Of the 15 suspected cases, 10 were from Kabul, ety in Badakhshan marched on Thursday and wel- against dollar. Haji Mir Hassan, a money ex- three from Herat and one each from Baghlan comed the weeklong violence reduction and called changer in the Shahzada Market, told Pajhwok and Ghor, the statement said, adding the posi- for nationwide and permanent peace. Afghan News that one US dollar was accounted tive case was found in Herat province. Asifa Karimi, a member of the United Women’s for 75.30 afghani in the market. Local officials in Herat province say all schools Association, told Pajhwok Afghan News that all He said two days before the start of the RiV week have been closed indefinitely in light of the cor- Afghans especially women welcomed the violence one US dollar was accounted for 77 afghanis. He onavirus spread. The person diagnosed positive reduction. “This week people will live in a peaceful hoped that with the start of peace talks the eco- for coronvirus had recently returned from Iran environment.” nomic situation of the country would improve. to Herat. “We do not want violence, we want permanent (Pajhwok) President ...( More on P4)...(4)