UPDATE ON AUG 19, 04:15 PM IST
Former Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said on Wednesday that he supports talks between the Taliban and top former government officials, and that he was "in talks to return home" after taking asylum in the United Arab Emirates.
Abu Dhabi: Former President Ashraf Ghani, who fled the country after the Taliban's occupation in Afghanistan, has said that his talks are on to return home. Former Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said on Wednesday that he supports talks between the Taliban and top former government officials, and that he was "in talks to return home" after taking asylum in the United Arab Emirates.
"I support the government's initiative to hold talks with Abdullah Abdullah and former President Hamid Karzai. I wish this process a success," he said in a video message, currently in the United Arab Emirates after leaving Afghanistan on Sunday. I have taken refuge with the family and this is his first appearance since then.
Ghani fled the country as the militants approached the capital, Kabul, after which Taliban rule returned to Afghanistan after two decades. On Wednesday, the United Arab Emirates said it was hosting Ghani and his family "on humanitarian grounds". This is the first confirmation of his whereabouts after leaving the country.
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said at the first press conference, "All the people on the opposite side have been forgiven from A to Z." "We will not take revenge."