President Ghani Vows to Crush IS Havens After

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Asad 29, 1398 HS Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Int’l community USD GBP 01 INR 1000 PKR 1000 EUR 01 IRR 1000 AED 01 01 should not remain AFN 78.43 AFN 93.87 AFN 1133 AFN 509 AFN 87.15 AFN 5.50 AFN 21.84 silent to any act of terrorism President Ghani vows to crush IS “Afghanistan people want peace havens after Kabul wedding attack and republic,” President Ghani KABUL: President Moham- try. The fight against Deash mad Ashraf Ghani participated will be intensified,” the presi- and delivered speech in an dent said. He argued that the evening banquet arranged on Taliban can’t avoid the respon- the occasion of 100th anniver- sibility by denying being be- sary of Afghanistan Indepen- hind this attack. He said that, dence at presidential palace to Taliban laid the foundation for honor foreign ambassadors to such attacks and carried out Kabul and officials of the in- numerous such barbaric at- ternational organizations. tacks on mosques, schools and In the banquet attended public places. also by the country’s First Lady, While assuring that they Princess Hendia and Princess will not have mercy and the Najia, daughters of King Aman- fight against ISIS will contin- ullah Khan, and a number of ue fiercely, he expressed that, high-ranking government offi- they will take revenge and up- cials, deputy minister of for- root them. He also called out eign affairs Idress Zaman spoke the Taliban and said that if they and said: “Today, we’re cele- are true Afghans then they brating not only the 100th anni- should join other Afghans in versary of Afghanistan Inde- hammad Ashraf Ghani spoke tity,” President Ghani said, protecting the blood of citizens pendence but the capability for and said they have renovated praising the international com- with them, otherwise they are serving and protection of our and rebuilt part of the coun- munity in particular US, EU KABUL: President Moham- Advisor and a number of gov- but added that “we will take not part of this land. people.” Praising the country’s try’s cultural heritages and his- member countries, Islamic mad Ashraf Ghani laid a ernment officials at the vicini- the revenge of our people”. The president went on say- defense and security forces for toric monuments such as Darul countries, India and all other wreath at the Azadi “Indepen- ty of Ministry of National De- President Ghani addressing that international commu- their sacrifices and efforts to- Aman and Paghman palaces on neighboring countries in the dence” Memorial minaret on fense. ing the nation at Darul Aman nity should not remain silent wards counterterrorism and the occasion of 100th anniver- region for their assistance to the occasion of Independence The president later ap- Palace woefully expressed that, over such inhuman acts, but thousands of Afghan women sary of the country’s Indepen- Afghanistan. The country’s Day, a statement said. peared at a ceremony in Darul “Enemy of our freedom and in- efforts should be intensified to and men who have devoted dence and other parts of them President asserted that the The ceremony was also at- Aman Palace, which has been dependence, enemy of our peo- uproot terror. “Our fight is with their lives for the protection of were under reconstruction. people of Afghanistan wanted tended by second VP Moham- recently renovated. Addressing ple and country, they cannot enemies of humanity. World the country’s freedom, Zaman “The country’s cultural republic and peace; therefore, mad Sarwar Danesh, Chief Ex- the event, President Ghani said see this celebration and happi- should know that Afghans not added today the people of Af- heritages and historic monu- the government was committed ecutive Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, the main celebration of the ness. This enemy can’t face our only fighting for their indepen- ghanistan were a united and ments are not the buildings to holding transparent, fair and speakers of lower and upper centenary of Independence powerful armed forces.” dence, but also fighting for sur- decisive nation. only, but they are symbols of inclusive elections in the coun- houses of parliament, cabinet Day was postponed honoring “We will eliminate Daesh vival of the humanity,” the Afterwards, President Mo- our national and historic iden- try. The Kabul Times members, Nationals Security the victims of the deadly attack hideouts all around the coun- See P6 UN condemns attack deliberately Minister Safi considers role of targeting civilians at Kabul wedding art valuable in Afghan society KABUL: The United Na- a Shia wedding ceremony. signal a deliberate intent to current measures in place to tions Assistance Mission in UNAMA’s human rights team spread fear among the popula- protect must be strengthened, KABUL: Acting minister of dren handicrafts and weaving. hopeless and do have hope to Afghanistan (UNAMA) con- is looking into the incident and tion, which has already suf- and that those who have orga- information and culture In opening ceremony, act- work towards development and demns last night’s Kabul at- working to establish facts. fered too much.” nized and enabled such at- opened ‘Art Works Exhibition’ ing minister of information rebuilding the country,” Safi tack that initial reports indi- “An attack deliberately The wedding hall where tacks must be brought to jus- on Sunday at National Gallery. and culture Hasina Safi spoke said. Acting minister of infor- cate killed scores of civilians targeting civilians is an out- the attack took place is situat- tice and held to account,” said The exhibition, launched and first offered her deep con- mation and culture considered and injured many more, rage, and deeply troubling, as ed in an area of the city heavi- Yamamoto, who is also head of by national gallery department dolence and sympathy to the role of art and artists as valu- th among them women and chil- it can only be described as a ly populated by Afghanistan’s UNAMA. on the occasion of 100 anni- families of those martyred and able in the society, asserting dren. cowardly act of terror,” said Shia Muslim minority. “The United Nations versary of Afghanistan Inde- wounded in a suicide attack in that artists and youth were art- On the evening of 17 Au- Tadamichi Yamamoto, the UN UNAMA has documented sev- stands with all Afghans in sol- pendence, included art works a wedding party in Kabul. loving and pen-loving people gust, a suicide attacker deto- Secretary-General’s Special eral previous attacks deliber- idarity and remains commit- as painting, calligraphy, min- “Despite of increasing prob- who were fighting by these in- nated explosives in the Shahr- Representative for Afghani- ately carried out against this ted to an Afghan-led peace pro- iature, tailoring, carton, chil- lems and challenges, we’re not struments. The Kabul Times e-Dubai Wedding Hall in West stan. community. cess that will end the war and Kabul where approximately “I condemn these deliber- “The pace of such atro- bring about a lasting peace.” 1,000 people were gathered for ate attacks on civilians that cious attacks indicates that The Kabul Times ‘Afghanistan local food and handicrafts’ festival’ kicked off in Kabul KABUL: Deputy minister of finance, administrative and tourism for information and culture Sayeda Mojgan Mo- stafavi opened handicraft exhi- resilience and cultural diver- bition and local food festival on sity. We applaud your accom- the occasion of 100th anniver- US congratulates Afghans plishments of the last two de- sary of Afghanistan Indepen- cades, including significant dence Sunday evening in Kab- on 100th Independence improvements ul. in education, health, At the opening ceremony infrastructure, women’s attended by a number of offi- Anniversary rights, economic opportunity, cials of the ministry of infor- and media freedom.” He said. mation and culture, high-rank- KABUL: US Secretary of the American people, I would Sadly Afghanistan’s 100- ing government officials, State Michael Pompeo has ex- like to extend my best wishes year history has also been daughters of King Amanullah tended best wishes to the peo- to the people of Afghanistan as marked by conflict. The terror- Khan Princess Hendia and Prin- ple of Afghanistan on the cele- you celebrate the 100th anni- ist attack against a Kabul wed- cess Najia and a number of do- bration of the 100th anniversa- versary of your independence ding hall this weekend is an mestic and foreign guests, dep- ry of Afghanistan’s indepen- on August 19,” Pompeo was attack against humanity. As we uty minister of finance, admin- dence on August 19, according quoted by the State Depart- commemorate Afghan history istrative and tourism for the to a statement on Monday. ment statement as saying. “On behalf of the Govern- “You have much to be proud and memorialize Afghan sacri- See P6 ment of the United States and of as you celebrate a century of See P6 �� Twitter.com/thekabultimes Tuesday, August 20, 2019 Worldwide condemnation of

THE KABUL TIMES Kabul wedding massacre

Editorial Int’l community should not remain

At least 63 people have and all the people who were ing the lives of 63 people and in deaths and injuries. silent to any act of terrorism been martyred and scores there were killed,” witness Gul injuring over 180,” a statement The King said, “We have wounded in an explosion tar- Mohammad told The Associat- from UN agency said. “The Sec- heard the news of the terrorist President Ghani on Monday vowed to “eliminate” all safe geting a wedding in the capi- ed Press news agency. retary-General expresses his bombing at a wedding in the havens of the Islamic State group as the country marked the tal, according to officials, in the The groom, Mirwais Elmi, deepest sympathies to the fam- capital Kabul, and the result- deadliest attack in Kabul this recalled greeting smiling ilies of the victims and the Gov- ing deaths and injuries. We 100th Independence Day after a horrific wedding attack claimed year. guests in the afternoon, before ernment and people of Afghan- express our sincere condolenc- by the local IS affiliate. The suicide blast took seeing their bodies being car- istan. He wishes a swift recov- es and sincere sympathy on President Ghani addressing the nation at Darul Aman Palace place on Saturday night in the ried out hours later. The attack ery to those injured.” behalf of the people and gov- men’s reception area of the “changed my happiness to sor- In another statement on ernment of the Kingdom of woefully expressed that, “Enemy of our freedom and indepen- Dubai City wedding hall in row”, the young man told local Sunday, the Egypt foreign min- Saudi Arabia to the Afghani dence, enemy of our people and country, cannot see this cele- western Kabul, where people TV station Tolo News. istry said that their country people and we wish speedy re- celebrating a marriage. “My family, my bride is in stand by the Afghan govern- covery for the injured.” bration and happiness. This enemy can’t face our powerful armed Women and children were shock, they cannot even speak. ment and people in its war Meanwhile, the inaugura- forces.” among the casualties, said Nas- My bride keeps fainting,” he against terrorism. tion of the iconic Darulaman President Ghani’s comments came as Afghanistan mourns at rat Rahimi, a spokesman for said. “I lost my brother, I lost It also offered condolences Palace which was scheduled for the interior ministry. my friends, I lost my relatives. to the victims’ families and Monday has been postponed least 63 people, including children, martyred in the Kabul bomb- The Islamic State of Iraq I will never see happiness in wished the injured a speedy after an overnight deadliest ing at a wedding hall late Saturday night. Close to 200 others and the Levant (ISIL or ISIS) my life again.” recovery. bombing in Kabul, a statement group claimed responsibility In the aftermath of the at- The Secretary General of said on Sunday. were wounded. for the attack on Sunday. tack, images from inside the the Organization of Islamic Syed Abdul Wahid Qatali, The U.S. envoy in talks with the Taliban, Zalmay Khalilzad, The Taliban denied any hall showed blood-stained bod- Cooperation (OIC), Dr. Yousef secretary of the committee in on Sunday said the peace process should be accelerated to help involvement, calling Satur- ies on the ground along with bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen, has charge of arrangements day’s blast “forbidden and un- pieces of flesh and torn clothes, also strongly condemned the for Afghanistan’s Afghanistan defeat the IS affiliate. That would include intra- justifiable”, but Afghan hats, sandals and bottles of suicide attack on a wedding cel- 100th Independence Day cele- Afghan talks on the country’s future, a fraught process that could President Ghani said that the mineral water. Meanwhile ebration in Kabul. Dr. Al-Oth- brations, in a statement said take years. group “cannot absolve them- many regional and world coun- aimeen reiterated the OIC’s that the Sunday’s night inci- selves of blame, for they pro- tries, including the UN and firm rejection of such terrorist dent was among painful events But the president argued that the Taliban can’t avoid the re- vide [a] platform for terrorists”. other international organiza- acts that have gripped Afghani- this land had been facing over sponsibility by denying being behind this attack. He said that, In a series of tweets on Sun- tions condemned the attack in stan in the past few weeks and the past 40 years. day, President Ghani strongly Kabul. United Nations Secre- wished for durable peace and The statement offered con- Taliban laid the foundation for such attacks and carried out condemned the “inhumane at- tary General Antonio Guterres stability for Afghanistan. dolences over the loss of pre- numerous such barbaric attacks on mosques, schools and pub- tack” and called for an “ex- has strongly condemned Satur- Custodian of the Two Holy cious lives in the incident and lic places. traordinary security meeting to day’s terror attack on a wed- Mosques King Salman bin Ab- the president had postponed the review and prevent such secu- ding ceremony in Kabul. “The dulaziz Al Saud has sent a ca- inauguration of Darulaman Nothing has impressed Afghan society as much as insecurity rity lapses”. Secretary-General strongly ble of condolences to President Palace indefinitely to pay hom- and terrorism. The country was turned into a battle ground by The blast occurred near the condemns the horrific 17 Au- Mohammad Ghani following age and respect to the victims stage where musicians were gust terrorist attack on a wed- the terrorist bombing at a wed- of Sunday night blast. superpowers to show their dominance in the region. Later the and “all the youths, children ding ceremony in Kabul, claim- ding in Kabul, which resulted Monitoring Desk civil war targeted the country and made the poor people suffer because of its ugly outcomes. Soon after that Taliban gained power and made the society further suffer backwardness and religious extremism. Both these factors blocked all the ways towards peace and stability. However, since the downfall of Tal- iban, there have been expectations that the country would move towards a certain level of stability, but Taliban have paved the way for other terrorists and Afghans dream of a peaceful Af- ghanistan still not achieved. Even today, the country is largely affected by religious extremism and terrorism. It does not only target the innocent people who suffer because of lack of opportunities for a secure life but also challenge the entire security apparatus within the country. The president on his Independence Day address to the nation called upon the international community that should not remain silent over such inhuman acts, but efforts should be intensified to uproot terror. “Our fight is with enemies of humanity. World should know that Afghans not only fighting for their independence, but also fighting for survival of the humanity,” the president said. To curb the menace of terrorism, using all means of pres- sures against terrorist supporting countries, can help root out the terrorism and establish a safe and secure atmosphere bene- fiting all countries. Ensuring the integrity and stability of the region provides a comprehensive development ground for the interests of all regional countries, while war and conflicts will threaten the interests all nations. Those searching their interests in supporting terror would one day gain its unexpected results, which would be for sure destruction and killing of their own citizens. �� Twitter.com/thekabultimes Tuesday, August 20, 2019 US President meets Afghaninstan asks int’l community not advisors to discuss remain indifferent to Kabul wedding attack six people. “We will take revenge for Afghanistan every civilian drop of blood,” Af- ghanistan’s president declared. “Our struggle will continue The White House has sig- looking to make a deal — if pos- senator added. against (IS), we will take re- naled progress in preparations sible,” he added. He asked Trump to make venge and will root them out.” for a peace deal with the Tali- US Secretary of State Mike sound and sustainable deci- He urged the international ban in Afghanistan, saying that Pompeo in a tweet said that in sions on the issue. “A bad community to join those ef- discussions between President continued close cooperation agreement puts the radical Is- forts. President Ghani assert- Donald Trump and top advisors with the government of Afghan- lamist movement all over the ed that safe havens for mili- went “very well”. istan, we would remain com- world on steroids.” Graham is- tants are across the border in The meeting was aimed to mitted to achieving a compre- sued the statement shortly be- Pakistan, whose intelligence review talks with the Taliban hensive peace agreement. fore Trump met top national service has long been accused group, possible US troop with- Prior to meeting of the US security advisers at his Bedmin- of supporting the Taliban. The drawal from Afghanistan and President with his advisors ster, New Jersey, golf resort to IS affiliate’s claim of the wed- find a political settlement for about Afghanistan, an influen- discuss the matter. RELATED: ding attack said it was carried the 18-year old war in Afghan- tial Republican senator has Trump to meet security offi- out by a Pakistani fighter seek- istan. urged President Donald Trump cials on Afghanistan as con- ing martyrdom. Trump met at his Bedmin- not to hurry in agreement with cerns mount about US with- President Ghani also called ster, New Jersey golf course the Taliban group. drawal on people in Pakistan “who with national security advisors Lindsey Graham of South “President Trump should very much want peace” to help including Defense Secretary Carolina, a presidential ally, learn from Obama’s mistakes. identify militant safe havens Mark Esper, Secretary of State has said: “American service Be smart, take your time and there. Mike Pompeo, and the Chair- members are not acting as po- listen to your national securi- KABUL: President Moham- A sharply worded Taliban the U.S. talks with the insur- Last month after meeting man of the Joint Chiefs of Staff licemen in Afghanistan.” ty team,” said Graham, who is mad Ashraf Ghani on Monday statement questioned why the gent group, which regards the with President Donald Trump, General Joseph Dunford, the In a statement, Graham seen as a foreign policy hawk. vowed to “eliminate” all safe U.S. failed to identify Satur- Afghan government as a U.S. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Im- White House said in a state- said: “The US soldiers are the The senator had vehement- havens of the Islamic State day’s attacker in advance. An- puppet. ran Khan insisted he will do ment. front-line of defense for Amer- ly opposed Obama’s decision to groups the country marked a other Taliban statement mark- The Taliban “have created his best to persuade the Tali- Also present were national ica against the reemergence of withdraw from Iraq, saying the subdued 100th Independence ing the Independence Day said the platform for terrorists” ban to open negotiations with security point man John Bolt- radical Islamist groups...” move helped lead to the rise of Day after a horrific wedding to “leave Afghanistan to the with their own brutal assaults the Afghan government to re- on and the US Special Repre- Any peace agreement deny- groups like ISIS. attack claimed by the local IS Afghans.” on schools, mosques and other solve the war. sentative for the Afghanistan ing the US a robust counter- It is worth mentioning that militants. More than anything in public places over the years, the Trump on Sunday told re- Reconciliation, Zalmay Kha- terrorism capability in Afghan- the US and the Taliban con- The Afghan President com- their nearly year-long negoti- president said. porters he doesn’t want Afghan- lilzad. istan was not a peace deal, the cluded their eighth round of ments came as Afghanistan ations with the U.S., the Tali- More than 32,000 civilians istan to be a “laboratory for ter- President Donald Trump lawmaker remarked. talks on Doha on August 12 mourns at least 63 people, in- ban want some 20,000 U.S. and in Afghanistan have been killed ror” and he described discus- said in a tweet that he had a “Instead, it is paving the which were focused on four key cluding children, killed in the allied forces to withdraw from in the past decade, the United sions with the Taliban as “very good” meeting on Af- way for another attack on the issues: US forces withdrawal, Kabul bombing at a wedding the country. The U.S. for its Nations said earlier this year. “good.” He was briefed on Fri- ghanistan. American homeland and at- counterterrorism assurances, a hall late Saturday night. Close part wants Taliban assurances More children were killed last day on the progress of the U.S.- “Many on the opposite side tacks against American inter- ceasefire and intra-Afghan ne- to 200 others were wounded. that Afghanistan — which host- year — 927 — than in any oth- Taliban talks, of which few de- of this 19-year war, and us, are ests around the world,” the gotiations. Lailuma Noori Fresh violence was reported ed al-Qaida leader Osama bin er over the past decade by all tails have emerged. Monday as an Afghan official Laden before 9/11 — will not actors, the U.N. said, including Some analysts have warned said at least 66 people were be a launching pad for global in operations against insurgent that Trump’s eagerness to bring Pakistan’s remark linking peace wounded in a series of explo- terror attacks. hideouts carried out by inter- at least some troops home sions in the eastern city of Jala- The U.S. envoy in talks national forces. ahead of next year’s election labad. There was no immedi- with the Taliban, Zalmay Kha- Details have yet to emerge could be weakening the U.S. talks with Kashmir dispute reckless, ate claim of responsibility. lilzad, on Sunday said the peace on Monday’s blasts in Jalala- stance in the negotiations as Many outraged Afghans are process should be accelerated bad, the capital of Nangarhar the Taliban might see little asking whether an approaching to help Afghanistan defeat the province, where both the Tali- need to make significant con- irresponsible: official deal between the United States IS affiliate. That would include ban and the IS affiliate are ac- cessions. and the Taliban to end nearly intra-Afghan talks on the coun- tive. Noor Ahmad Habibi, dep- In a message marking Af- 18 years of fighting — Ameri- try’s future, a fraught process uty spokesman for the provin- ghanistan’s independence and The Ambassador said it was “a misleading statement which ca’s longest war — will bring that could take years. cial governor, said some 10 ex- “century of resilience,” U.S. peace to long-suffering civil- But President Ghani on plosions took place and that Secretary of State Mike Pom- inaccurately suggests that Afghanistan poses a threat” to Paki- ians. The wedding hall bomber Monday asserted that the Tali- most people had minor inju- peo called the weekend wed- detonated his explosives in the ban, whom the U.S. now hopes ries. And in the capital of ding bombing “an attack stan. “There is no threat from Afghanistan to Pakistan.” middle of a dancing crowd, and will help to curb the IS affili- neighboring Laghman prov- against humanity.” It was one the IS affiliate later said he had ate’s rise, are just as much to ince, Miterlam, governor’s of many international expres- targeted a gathering of minor- blame for the wedding attack. spokesman Asadullah Daw- sions of condemnation pouring Afghanistan on Sunday cision on Jammu and Kashmir against the Taliban and to avoid ity Shiites, whom it views as His government is openly frus- latzai said a mortar attack by in following the attack. strongly criticized a statement “could not have come at a worse taking a decisive stance against apostates deserving of death. trated at being sidelined from the Taliban slightly wounded Monitoring Desk by Pakistan’s ambassador to the time for us”, because Pakistan the militant group,” the state- United States allegedly linking wanted to strengthen military ment added. the situation in Jammu and control along the Afghanistan The embassy said it was “a Kashmir with peace talks in the border in its effort to help end misleading statement which country. Roya the conflict there. inaccurately suggests that Af- Up to $1 billion invested in Rahmani, Afghan ambassador India had earlier this ghanistan poses a threat” to in Washington, said the state- month revoked the special sta- Pakistan. “There is no threat ment was “reckless, unwar- tus and autonomy of Jammu from Afghanistan to Pakistan,” ranted and irresponsible”. and Kashmir. Rahmani said. Afghanistan on Sunday This has upset Pakistan, “The Afghan government strongly criticized a statement which has fought three wars sees no credible reason for Pa- poultry in Afghanistan by Pakistan’s ambassador to the with India over Kashmir. kistan to maintain tens of thou- United States allegedly linking In a statement, the Afghan sands of military troops on its KABUL: Around one billion offer them to local markets. the private sector, and the re- and that in addition to poultry, the situation in Jammu and embassy questioned the claim western frontier. On the con- U.S. dollar has been invested “Currently, over 290,000 maining for the small farm. Afghanistan is developing in Kashmir with peace talks in the that the tensions in Kashmir trary, Afghan stability is fre- in the last decade in the coun- tons of chicken meats are pro- A poultry worker, Turyalay other areas such as beekeep- country. Roya could affect its peace process. quently threatened by Paki- try’s poultry farming, an offi- duced from local farms,” said Hashemi said that poultry and ing, fish farming etc. Rahmani, Afghan ambassador The embassy said Kashmir was stan-based, sanctioned and sup- cial said. Akbar Rustami, the spokesman eggs production farms have He said in the past, most of in Washington, said the state- a bilateral matter between In- ported militant and terrorist The National Poultry of the Ministry of Agriculture been improved since the last chicken meats and eggs were ment was “reckless, unwar- dia and Pakistan and that try- groups.” Union said that 1 billion U.S. and Irrigation told media. one year and expected to expand imported from outside the coun- ranted and irresponsible”. ing to link it with the Afghan Meanwhile, the Afghan dollar has been invested in poul- This is while, Afghan citi- more and more across the country, particularly Pakistan and Khan said the Kashmir and peace talks was a deliberate Foreign Ministry said that Pa- try farming around the coun- zens are complaining about low try. He thanked the government Iran, while by the government Afghanistan problems were attempt to prolong the violence kistan’s statement showed the try over the past decade. quality eggs and chicken being for cooperation in the beefing support, poultry has expanded separate and he was not trying in Afghanistan. “sinister intention towards According to the Poultry imported from foreign coun- up of poultry in the country and countrywide giving more prod- to link them. However, he told “It is a poor excuse used by peacemaking in Afghanistan”. Union officials, currently there tries into Afghanistan. asked the ministries of interi- ucts. “Currently horticulture the newspaper that India’s de- Pakistan to justify its inaction Monitoring Desk are more than 10,000 big and From a total of $12.4 mil- or and public health for using and animal husbandry are im- moderate poultry forming are lion funded by the horticulture domestic poultry products and proved in the country and the operating in the country, meet- project in poultry sector, $3.4 the government for sustainable people are mostly using domes- ing 80 percent of the needs of million has been allocated for support to the poultry sector. tic products, particularly chick- domestic markets for chicken the business farms, with 60 per- Kabul citizens are glad to en meats and eggs,” Naser told meats and eggs. cent of the portion of the min- have the country being step- The Kabul Times. But, the officials still wor- istry and 40 percent share of ping up towards development Shokria Kohistani ry about illegally import of old chicken meats and unlimited chicken feeds into the country. “Over 1,000 poultry farms are operating in this sector around the country,” the union was quoted by the agency as saying. Officials from the Afghan Ministry of Agriculture, Irriga- tion and Livestock was also quoted by the agency to say that the poultry industry can meet nearly 80 percent of the local market needs which is 290,000 tons in total on monthly basis. Marouf Zafar, head of Af- ghanistan Poultry Union said, smuggling old chicken meats and eggs should be prevented to help domestic farms improve their fresh meats and eggs and �� Provincial News Tuesday, August 20, 2019 Floral wreath laid on King Amanullah Foreign troops’ artillery attack Khan’s mausoleum in Nangarhar leaves 7 insurgents dead

JALALABAD CITY: The Nangarhar Governor Shah Independence Anniversary to national flag and other celebra- celebration of 100th Indepen- Mahmood Miakhel, Selab Afghan nation and highlight- tions had been planned in the dence Anniversary kicked off on corps commander, police chief ing King’s struggle for inde- governor house. Monday with a military guard and other high-ranking offi- pendence, governor Miakhel Afghanistan got its inde- of honor and laying a floral cial were present in the cere- said that four minarets would pendence 100 year back from wreath on Ghazi Amanullah mony which took place in the inaugurate in Jalalabad with British under the leadership of Khan’s mausoleum in eastern Amir Shaheed Garden. one dedicated to Independence. King Amanullah Khan. Nangarhar province. Congratulating the 100th He said the hoisting of largest The Kabul Times

Foreign troops by carrying the country told BNA corre- discovering and confiscating an artillery attack destroyed a spondent, a terrorist center eight round of different type of terrorist center belonged to have demolished and seven mines succeeded to prevent sev- Taliban group in southern anti-government militias were eral bloodiest incidents in Urozgan province. killed. crowded areas of Urozgan prov- Based on primary reports, The terrorist center locat- ince. seven armed oppositions were ed in Chaharchino district, No one was arrested ac- killed during the attack as well. Urozgan province. cused of the mine plantings so Top commander of Afghan According to another re- far. national army in the south of port, Afghan security forces by The Kabul Times Dozens wounded as back Two traffickers with 260 tons of fruits to back explosions rock tens kgs of drug exported from Jalalabad city Dozens of people sustained The statement further add- Meanwhile, the statement detained in Takhar Kandahar to Pakistan wounds in back to back explo- ed that the explosions wound- by Governor’s Office added that sions in Jalalabad city, the pro- ed at least 17 people in the 1st the health condition of three 260 tons of fresh and dried this year. vincial capital of eastern Nan- and 4th districts of the city. people have been reported as fruits were exported from Kan- The fruits was purchased garhar province. Furthermore, the Gover- critical. dahar to Pakistan. from peasants by merchants The Governor’s Office of nor’s Office said the security No individual or group in- The fruit was exported to and is expected to be sold in Nangarhar said in a statement forces had earlier discovered cluding Taliban has so far Pakistan on the occasion of Pakistan markets. that six bombs went off in Jala- and defused six bombs from claimed responsibility for the 100th anniversary of the coun- Abdul Jabar Baluch head of labad city earlier yesterday. various parts of the city. explosions. The Kabul Times try’s Independence by land and Kandahar Investment Support through the border of Speen- Office at a ceremony of fruit boldak District. export from Kandahar to Paki- Hayatullah Hayat governor stan said, the government is of Kandahar told BNA, the trying to turn Afghanistan into fresh and dried fruits was part an exporting country in the re- of Kandahar’s peasants’ corps gion. The Kabul Times

Two traffickers with tens kgs of drugs have been detained by ANA officials in Takhar province. The traffickers have been arrested from Pul-e-Kokcha region, Khwaja Ghar district of that province. 4 Taliban, ISIS militants killed, detained in ANA source of Takhar told BNA, the militias wanted to smug- gle 51kgs of drugs to unknown place, have been arrested by ANA Special Forces raids, airstrike in Kabul forces. He called the detainees, the most dangerous drug traffickers The security forces con- in the north, said that they had long time been pursuing by secu- ducted separate operations in rity forces. The Kabul Times Kabul in the past 24 hours killing or detaining 4 Taliban and ISIS militants. The military officials said Taliban militants suffer heavy casualties in the Special Forces arrested an ISIS-K militant during a pa- trol in Deh Sabz district of Kabul. Ghazni, Wardak provinces: Thunder Corps The officials further add- The Taliban militants suffered heavy casualties during the ed that the Special Forces also airstrikes and clash in Ghazni and Wardak provinces. destroyed a small cache of The 203rd Thunder Corps said in a statement that the securi- weapons. ty forces conducted an airstrike in Starnai area of Deh Yak dis- Furthermore, the Special trict in Ghazni. Forces arrested a Taliban mil- The statement further added that the airstrike killed 7 Tali- itant during a separate raid in ban militants and wounded 7 others. Mussahi district of Kabul. Furthermore, the 203rd Thunder Corps said the security forc- The military officials also es killed 2 Taliban militants and wounded 3 others during a clash added that an airstrike killed in Dawrani area of Nerkh district in Wardak. 2 Taliban militants in Mussa- armed elements including Taliban and ISIS sympathizers have The 203rd Thunder Corps also added that Ahmadzai, a Tali- hi district of Kabul. not commented regarding the operations so far. ban commander was also killed during the clash. KP The anti-government KP �� Facebook.com/thekabultimes Tuesday, August 20, 2019 Hundreds of thousands of people displaced Uzbekistan is a country due to continued war in Afghanistan Afghanistan’s conflict has has raged in one form or an- ghanistan government should ple is shelter which should be of unforgettable tourism driven hundreds of thousands other for four decades, has try its best to clear areas facing provided by the government. of people mostly children from pushed millions of people out with increasing threats posed “UN and other internation- their homes this year, prompt- of the country over that time. by armed opponent groups and al organizations working in Uzbekistan is a country where representatives of various ing a huge need for humani- OCHA said that between Jan- pave the way for internally dis- this regard should help the gov- tarian aid across the country, uary and July, 270,000 people placed people to return their ernment of Afghanistan to ad- nationalities, religious denominations and cultures live. This is a region the U.N. has said. had returned from Iran, which homes. dress problems of the displaced whose rich historical heritage harmoniously coexists with modern According to the U.N.’s Of- is in the grips of an economic “Unfortunately, the govern- people as they are facing with fice for the Coordination of Hu- crisis, and another 16,700 from ment of Afghanistan has no increasing challenges and need architecture and high-tech development. There are high mountains, hot manitarian Affairs (OCHA), Pakistan. particular policy and program to be assisted,” Jawad added. deserts, endless lakes, wonderful valleys and gardens. more than 217,000 people had The U.S. and the Taliban to address problems of the in- On the other hand, officials to flee their homes because of are expected to announce a deal ternally displaced people in the for the ministry of refugees Undoubtedly, the tourist Simplified the procedure Khiva, the Electronic Music fighting during the first seven that would see a withdrawal of country,” said Mohammad and repatriates say Afghani- and recreational potential that for temporary registration of Festival in Tashkent, the CIS months of 2019. Of these peo- international forces, potential- Mudaqiq, an Afghan political stan government has prepared Uzbekistan has is huge. These foreign citizens on the territo- Tourism Fair in Samarkand ple displaced by war, 58 percent ly prompting more conflict and expert. a policy for internally displaced are over 7 thousand objects of ry of the republic, which is ful- and others are very popular. were children under 18, OCHA displacement. He added that Afghan fami- people. Based on the policy, cultural heritage, more than ly translated into electronic The fact that Uzbekistan is said. The issue of internal dis- Meanwhile, officials for the lies have preferred to migrate national and international or- 200 of which are located in four format E-mehmon. This system becoming an increasingly pop- placement is being compound- state ministry of disaster man- and leave their homes due to ganizations are working to- museum cities - Khiva, Bukha- provides the right to register ular destination for travel lov- ed by natural disasters includ- agement while expressing con- increasing of insecurities, con- gether to deliver humanitari- ra, Shakhrisabz and Samar- foreign citizens with accommo- ers is also indicated by figures. ing a historic drought, which cern over continued war and in- tinued war and increasing pres- an services to IDPs who are sur- kand. All of them are included dation facilities and medical So, according to the results of last year forced about 245,000 creasing displacement of the ence of Daesh in the country, veyed first and later introduced in the UNESCO World Heri- institutions, travel agencies, 2018, the number of foreign people to move—and about people in the country say the saying that the government to be assisted. tage List. In addition, in the owners of private apartments, tourists arriving in the repub- 100,000 of them have not yet national unity government is should find a way to address It is worth mentioning that country there are 8 nature re- guest houses, as well as foreign lic doubled - from 2.6 to 5.3 returned. OCHA “estimates making effort to codify pro- security problems in areas fac- for the past few years, 1.5 mil- serves, 2 natural and 1 nation- citizens traveling independent- million people. In the first half that close to a million people grams and plans in close coor- ing with threats posed by in- lion people have been displaced al park, 6 natural monuments, ly through the Internet and of 2019, the number of tourists on the move will need human- dination with UN relevant surgent groups. due to increasing of insecuri- 11 nature reserves, more than mobile applications. exceeded 3 million people, itarian assistance by the end of agencies to tackle the problem Akbar Jawad, a lecturer for ties, drought and poverty, ac- 50 water protection zones, Along with traditional cul- which is 31 percent more than the year,” the agency said in a of displacement in the country. a private university in Kabul, cording to information issued which are also attractive tour- tural and historical tourism, the similar statistics in 2018. statement. Afghan political experts, in says one of the principal needs by the government of Afghani- ist sites. such new types of tourism as In addition, measures tak- Afghanistan’s war, which the meantime, believe that Af- of the internally displaced peo- stan. Suraya Raiszada That is why great attention pilgrimage, ecology, cognitive, en to support and protect the is paid to the development of ethnographic, gastronomic, private sector contributed to an tourism. In particular, Decrees sports, health-improving, rural, increase in the number of tour- and Resolutions of the Presi- industrial, business and other ism organizations from 749 in dent of the Republic of Uzbeki- types of tourism are successful- 2017 to 1,000 in 2018. To date, stan gave the status of the stra- ly developing. their number has reached 1.3 tegic sector of the national To stimulate entrepreneur- thousand. economy to the tourism sector. ial activity in the tourism in- Tourist infrastructure facil- In the future, it is designed to dustry, tax and customs incen- ities are also developing rapid- solve such important socio-eco- tives have been established for ly. In the first half of the year nomic problems as creating new the construction and organiza- alone, more than 100 hotels jobs, diversifying the economy tion of hotel facilities, theme with a capacity of about 1.7 thou- and accelerating the develop- parks, when importing tourist- sand units were created. By the ment of regions, increasing for- class vehicles and others. There end of the year, it is expected to eign exchange earnings, im- are more than 20 benefits and commission about 140 new ho- proving the welfare of the pop- preferences in this direction. tels with a capacity of 7 thou- ulation, and improving invest- In addition, in order to at- sand units, which will allow to ment attractiveness and image. tract foreign investors to the increase the number of rooms In order to radically in- industry, public-private part- by 37 percent. crease the effectiveness of re- nership mechanisms are being Transport and logistics ser- forms in this direction, in Jan- adopted that stimulate the con- vices have also risen to a qual- uary 2019, the Concept for the tribution of investments to the itatively new level. Due to the Development of the Tourism development of tourism infra- large-scale work on the con- Sphere in Uzbekistan in 2019- structure facilities. struction and reconstruction of 2025 was approved. The attention of potential transport infrastructure in As part of the implementa- foreign tourists is attracted by Uzbekistan, 11 airports have tion of the concept, as well as the cultural events held in the received the status of interna- in order to create amenities for country, which introduce the tional air harbors. Rail trans- incoming foreign tourists, visa history and traditions of the port is developing, through and registration processes have Uzbek people, their original which travelers visiting Uzbeki- Trump says having good been radically simplified. Cur- culture, crafts and art. Among stan have the opportunity in rently, for tourists from 65 such events, the traditional fes- comfortable conditions to reach countries a visa-free regime tival “Silk and Spices”, held in the tourist centers of the coun- has been introduced for a peri- Bukhara, the international try. So, in addition to regular discussions with both the od of 30 days, an electronic visa music festival “Sharq and high-speed trains, high- issuing system is in place for Taronalari”, organized in Sa- speed Afrosiab trains run daily citizens of 77 countries. In ad- markand. Such international between Tashkent, Samarkand dition, for certain groups of for- events as the International and Karshi, which have signif- eign citizens such types of vi- Poppy Art Forum in Shakhris- icantly improved the quality of Afghan government and Taliban sas have been introduced as abz, the Ziyorat Tourism Forum guest service and reduced trav- investment, student, academic, in Bukhara, the “Athletes el time. pilgrimage and medical. Games” sports competition in Information Agency ”Dunyo” Shahzad's contract suspended by Afghanistan Cricket Board

The U.S. President Donald cussions. We’ll see what hap- porters that the United States I think it’s very important Trump has recently said that pens … We’ll decide whether does not want Afghanistan to that we continue intelligence Afghanistan wicket-keeper “ACB has well-equipped Shahzad did not attend the United States is having or not we’ll be staying longer turn to a laboratory for the ter- there in all cases because it is batsman Mohammad Shahzad training and practice facilities meeting scheduled with the good discussions with both the or not.” rorists. somewhat of a nest.” has been suspended by cricket within the country and Afghan Discipline Committee on 20th Afghan government and Tali- This comes as President He said “Look we’re there President Trump said “If board of the country for breach- players do not require to travel and 25th of the last month. ing the Player Code of Con- abroad for such purposes,” it The committee will meet ban. Trump met with the senior for one reason, we don’t want you look at what happened with duct. said. after Eid-ul-Adha holidays to Speaking to reporters in U.S. government and security that to be a laboratory … It the World Trade, essentially In a statement, Afghanistan The statement noted that assess the breached by Shahzad New Jersey on Sunday, Trump officials at his golf course in can’t be a laboratory for ter- came out of Afghanistan, most Cricket Board said that Shahzad had previously to make a decision, the state- said “We’re looking at Af- Bedminster New Jersey last ror. And we’ve stopped that we of the people, I think they may Shahzad had travelled out of breached ACB Code of Conduct ment said. the country without its permis- and was recently called for Earlier, Shahzad had ghanistan. We’re talking to week. President Trump re- have a very, very good view.” not have come from Afghani- sion. questioning by the ACB Disci- threatened to quit cricket after Afghanistan, both the govern- viewed the U.S. and Taliban He also added “We’re like stan originally but that’s The statement did not say pline Committee in relation to being declared unfit for the re- ment and also talking to the peace plan during the meeting. a police force and that’s about where they were taught.” which country Shahzad had a disciplinary matter during mainder of the World Cup by Taliban, having very good dis- Meanwhile, Trump told re- it, frankly. KP travelled to. the 2019 World Cup. ACB. 1tvnews �� Notification As the presidential campaigns have kicked off across the country, the government-run The Kabul Times daily is ready to publish for one time the presidential candidates’ goals and programs free of charge and their mottoes and advertisements for a repeated five times at its special pages, against money, as per the Afghan Advertisement legally set prices. All the presidential runners can regularly submit their mottoes and advertisements to the daily office by the following addresses: nd www.facebook.com/thekabultimes twitter.com/thekabultimes Microrayon 2 , Liberty Printing Press building, second floor. [email protected]

Asad 29, 1398 HS Tuesday, August 20, 2019 thekabultimes.gov.af UN congratulates Afghans on 100th Iranian tanker at center of standoff Independence anniversary KABUL: UNAMA in a state- the human rights of all its for an election that will give with West leaves Gibraltar ment on Monday congratulat- citizens, women and men voice to the people, and with a ed Afghans the 100th Indepen- alike. The long history of Af- real possibility for break- dence Anniversary. ghanistan, and the broader re- throughs in peace after so many The Iranian tanker caught “The EU sanctions regime ganization. over. “On behalf of the United gion, has been as the cradle of years of war.” in a stand-off between Tehran against Iran - which is applica- Tehran said it was ready to The initial impounding of Nations in Afghanistan, I wish civilization, as the birthplace “Afghanistan is one of the and the West left Gibraltar on ble in Gibraltar - is much nar- dispatch its naval fleet to es- the Grace 1 sparked a diplo- to congratulate all Afghans as to many scientific break- earliest members of the Unit- Sunday night, shipping data rower than that applicable in cort the tanker if required. matic row that escalated when they celebrate 100th years of throughs, as the foundation for ed Nations, joining in 1946. showed, hours after the Brit- the US,” the government said “The era of hit and run is Tehran seize a British-flagged their country’s independence, many developments in litera- The United Nations is proud of ish territory rejected a US re- in a statement. “The Gibraltar over ... if top authorities ask the oil tanker in the Gulf two weeks UN envoy said in a statement ture and the arts. This past is this long partnership, and quest to detain the vessel fur- Central Authority is unable to navy, we are ready to escort out later. on Monday. Tadamichi Yama- testament to the future of Af- proud to be able to work for the ther. seek an Order of the Supreme tanker Adrian,” Iran’s navy That tanker, the Stena Im- moto said the United Nations ghanistan. “As we mark 100th people of Afghanistan toward a British Royal Marines Court of Gibraltar to provide commander, Rear Admiral pero, is still detained. shared in the pride of all Af- years of Afghanistan’s inde- better future where this coun- seized the tanker in Gibraltar the restraining assistance re- Hossein Khanzadi, was quoted The two vessels have since ghans who, despite many dependence, the United Nations try can once again take its in July on suspicion that it was quired by the United States of as saying by Mehr news agen- become pawns in a bigger game, cades of conflict, remained remains mindful that Afghani- place as a crossroads for com- carrying oil to Syria, a close ally America.” cy. Earlier on Sunday, video and feeding into wider hostilities steadfast in their pursuit of a stan is at a crucial moment in merce and culture, for the re- of Iran, in violation of Europe- Washington had attempted photographs showed the tank- since the United States last nation that is stable, peaceful its history, with final prepara- gion and for the world.” an Union sanctions. That trig- to detain the Grace 1 on the er flying the red, green and year pulled out of an interna- and prosperous, and that upheld tions now being put into place The Kabul Times gered a series of events that grounds that it had links to white flag of Iran and bearing tional agreement to curb Iran’s have heightened tensions on Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary its new name, painted in white, nuclear program, and reim- international oil shipping Guard Corps (IRGC), which it on the hull. Its previous name, posed economic sanctions. routes through the Gulf. has designated a terrorist or- ‘Grace 1’, had been painted alarabiya The Grace 1, renamed the Google joins Afghans in Adrian Darya 1, left anchorage off Gibraltar at around 11 p.m. local time, Refinitiv shipping Independence Day celebrations data showed. Its destination was not immediately clear. KABUL: Google joined Af- The flag also includes a na- Amanullah Khan declared in- Iran’s ambassador to Brit- ghans in celebration of the tional emblem that includes dependence from any British ain, Hamid Baeidinejad, had 100th anniversary of the inde- the year 1298 (1919 in the Gre- influence on this day in 1919. written on Twitter earlier that pendence. gorian calendar), when the The occasion is marked by the vessel was expected to leave The tricolor Afghan flag— country gained independence official ceremonies and pa- on Sunday night, adding that with black, red, and green ver- from the United Kingdom. rades in the capital city of Kab- two engineering teams had tical stripes representing the Shortly after signing the ul. Many citizens spend the day been flown to Gibraltar. nation’s turbulent past, its Treaty of Rawalpindi guaran- visiting mosques to offer The tanker’s detention struggle for independence, and teeing neutral relations be- prayers or attending local car- ended last week, but on Friday its belief in a prosperous fu- tween Britain and Afghanistan, nivals featuring traditional a federal court in Washington ture—will fly all across the which was never officially part song and dance. issued a warrant for the seizure south Asian nation today. of the British Empire, Emir The Kabul Times of the tanker, the oil it carries and nearly $1 million. Gibraltar said on Sunday it could not comply with that re- quest because it was bound by EU law. Syria alleges Turkish convoy President Ghani vows entered Idlib to help armed rebels to crush .... Russian warplanes have the "terror" groups in Khan Russia, Syrian President From P1 targeted positions near a Turk- Sheikhoun. Bashar al-Assad's most power- president said. ish convoy that was stranded on The move would not affect ful ally. a highway in northwest Syria "the determination of the Syr- A member of a faction be- The 100th Independence after crossing into Idlib prov- ian Arab Army to keep hunting longing to the Turkish-backed Day marks a critical juncture in Afghanistan’s political his- ince, a war monitor and wit- the remnants of terrorists" in Free Syrian Army that had nesses say. the town in Idlib province or been accompanying the convoy tory, in the backdrop of Peace The UK-based war monitor elsewhere, Sana cited the for- has been killed in the attacks, negotiations, which are to decide the future direction of the said a fighter belonging to a eign ministry source as saying. while others were injured, al- Turkey-backed faction accom- Al Jazeera's Suhaib al- Khalaf added. country. President Ghani had ‘Afghanistan local food panying the convoy was killed Khalaf, reporting from Idlib, "It is clear that the Syrian- expressed his views earlier and said, “Afghanistan’s fate can’t on Monday while others were said the convoy consisted of sev- Russian alliance wants to send injured. en tanks and heavy weaponry. a direct message to the convoy: be decided outside, we don’t Syrian state media, Sana, He added that the convoy not to approach the areas where want anyone to intervene in our affairs”. President Ghani made said the Turkish convoy en- was forced to stop on the Dam- heavy clashes are taking place and handicrafts’ festival... the comments as U.S. and Tal- tered the town of Khan ascus-Aleppo highway near the in and around Khan Sheikhoun in Idlib to help town of Maarat Al Numan as Sheikhoun," he said. iban negotiators appeared to be closing in on a peace agreement From P1 armed rebel groups fighting a Russian air strikes targeted Khan Sheikhoun, a major government advance, denounc- positions in the area. rebel-held town controlled by without the Western backed ing the move as an act of "ag- According to al-Khalaf, the the Hay'et Tahrir al-Sham government in Kabul at the ta- MoIC spoke and besides con- administration and tourism Saturday night in a wedding ble. The Kabul Times gratulating the 100th anniver- for information and culture hall in Kabul. gression". convoy remains at a standstill group - a former al-Qaeda af- sary of Afghanistan Indepen- hoped the ministry by holding Offering deep condolence There was no immediate and has not yet resumed its trip filiate - is one of Idlib prov- dence, offered condolence and such programs could fulfill its and sympathy to the families comment from Ankara. towards its destination. ince's outer areas that lies on a US congratulates sympathy to the families of cultural duty in celebration of of those martyred and wound- Sana quoted a source in Tueky backs some of the key highway that connects gov- those martyred and wounded the 100th anniversary of the Syria's foreign ministry as say- rebels in northwest Syria and ernment-held Damascus with ed in the attack, Amarkhil ing the Turkish convoy loaded has deployed forces into the the northern city of Aleppo. Afghans on in recent terrorist attack in country’s Independence. asked all the people of Afghan- Kabul. Afterwards, head of Kabul with munitions crossed to help Idlib region under deals with aljazeera Mostafavi added that the Serena Hotel in his speech istan to stop tribal discrimi- 100th... festival has been held by the congratulated the 100th anni- nation and get united to work From P1 ministry of information and versary of Afghanistan Inde- towards rebuilding and development of Afghanistan. fice, we redouble our commit- culture with close cooperation pendence to all Afghans, as- ment to work together toward of Kabul Serena Hotel to wel- serting that the festival was During this festival, Obaid th a peaceful future in which we come 100 anniversary of Af- held by the MoIC and Kabul Zazai modeling group per- can strengthen the bonds of ghanistan Independence. Serena Hotel to mark the In- formed local clothes exhibi- friendship between our na- “In this festival, local dependence Day of the coun- tion. tions. “During my most recent foods, local handicrafts, local try. At the end, Mostafavi visit to Afghanistan this sum- music and dresses of the coun- Meanwhile, advisor to opened handicrafts exhibition mer, I reaffirmed our commit- try’s five zone provinces have President Ziaulhaq Amarkhil in which home and hand-made ment to help Afghans preserve been put for exhibition,” Mo- by praising the MoIC for hold- products such as carpets, lo- the gains of the past 18 years stafavi said. ing the festival said that they th cal dresses and clothes, orna- by continuing support to Afghan Briefing related to exclu- were marking the 100 anni- institutions on the pathway to sive programs held for the past versary of Afghanistan Inde- ments, paintings and other local products were displayed. self-reliance. The United three months by various dependence amid of increasing States and Afghanistan are en- partments of the ministry of civilian casualties caused by The exhibition will be opened from 6:00 pm – during partners, working to- information of culture on the suicide attacks and explosions gether toward a sustainable th 10:00pm every night for four occasion of 100 anniversary as a number of our country- peace and a safer, better tomor- of Afghanistan Independence, men were martyred and days at Kabul Serena Hotel. row for all Afghans,” he said. deputy minister of finance, wounded in a suicide attack The Kabul Times The Kabul Times ��