http://www.kabulpressistan.com Your One Stop Media Solution http://www.kabulpressistan.com/kp/newstips.php?id=47#news President Hamid Karzai has given the go-ahead for about 20 prisones on death row. The men are going to be executed from Tueday... prior to this: -- In 2004 a single man, "Zardad's dog" was executed in first post-Taliban implementation of capital punishment -- In 2007 15 people were executed and a 16th one, Timour Shah, managed to escape from a firing squad. -- In 2008 7 people were executed -- In 2011 two people were executed... 6 months ago http://www.kabulpressistan.com/kp/newstips.php?id=46#news 6 months ago http://www.kabulpressistan.com/kp/newstips.php?id=45#news If you haven't got it yet, herewith the final declaration by the Kabul Heart of Asia Conference.... http://heartofasiaministerial-mfa.gov.af/ 11 months ago http://www.kabulpressistan.com/kp/newstips.php?id=44#news Click on the link or copy and pate the URL: http://photos.state.gov/libraries/afghanistan/231771/PDFs/2012-05-01-scan-of-spa-english.pdf 1 year ago http://www.kabulpressistan.com/kp/newstips.php?id=43#news click on the link or copy and paste the URL... 1 year ago http://www.kabulpressistan.com/kp/newstips.php?id=42#news Fight against them so that Allah will punish them by your hands and disgrace them and give you victory over them and heal the breasts of a believing people (Taubah: 14) It has been a little over ten years since Afghanistan has come under the barbaric occupation of foreign invaders and countless defenseless Afghans are martyred, imprisoned, their homes destroyed and orchards uprooted by these cruel occupiers with the passage of each day. But as the intensity of cruelty and savagery of the invaders increases, the fervor of Jihad and struggle amongst the heroic Afghans strengthens proportionally and with the inception of each year, the battle trenches are enkindled against the oppressors with high moral, new war tactics and strong Jihadi determination. With pure divine intentions and exemplary determination, our lives are cheaply sacrificed for the defense and service of our oppressed nation while delivering falsehood extinguishing blows to the enemy. As the period for the inception of new Jihadi activities against the foreign forces each year is chosen and named by Islamic Emirate under new Jihadi title in consideration with the seasonal and atmospheric conditions, we would once again like to announce the current year’s spring operation against the invaders under the glorified Jihadi name of ‘Al-Farooq’. The name Al-Farooq, which is the honored title of the second Khalifa of Islam Hazrat Omar R.A, was chosen for this year’s operation so that with its blessing, Allah Almighty might bestow on Mujahideen such victories as were awarded to the Muslims during the triumphant period of Hazrat Omar R.A where huge swaths of lands of the infidels fell under the rule of the Muslims and the enemies were forced to take flight. It must be stated that the primary target of Al-Farooq operation will be the foreign invaders, their advisors, their contractors and members of all associated military, intelligence and auxiliary departments. And similarly, the high ranking officials of the stooge Kabul regime; members of Parliament; those associated with Ministries of Defense, Intelligence and Interior; members of the so called High Peace Council; Militia under the name of ‘Arbaki’ and all those people who work against the Mujahideen, toil to pave ground for the occupation of Afghanistan and become the cause for the strength of the invaders will also be targeted in Al-Farooq operation. New and tested war tactics will be implemented in Al-Farooq operation and top priority will be given to safeguarding the lives and wealth of civilians. It is hoped that civilians stay away from the bases of invaders and their hirelings, their military convoys and refrain from going close to explosion sites as the enemy intentionally targets civilians to avenge the caused death/injury and attributes it to the Taliban. Al-Farooq Jihadi spring operation shall commence simultaneously in all parts of Afghanistan on 14th Suwar 1391 which corresponds with 12 Jammad ul Thani 1433 and 3rd May 2012. The Islamic Emirate, alongside launching its Al-Farooq spring operation, once again calls on all those associated with the puppet administration of Karzai, the so called national army, national police and all those who are siding with the invaders in opposition to the interests of Islam to stop backing the invaders and to abandon their ranks. In case this call is not heeded, all responsibility shall befall the transgressors because the Mujahideen, in defense of their country and religious sanctities, are Islamically bound and have the right to kill the foreign occupiers and their supporters, capture them and to prosecute them for their illegal actions. The Islamic Emirate, in order to establish contact and bring out officials and privates from the opposition rank, has assigned an influential ‘Recruitment’ Commission which works to invite them towards the truth and in case they want to join the Mujahideen, to lend all necessary assistance and guidance. The Islamic Emirate would also like to declare to all the foreign invaders including the Americans that if you still desire to continue the occupation of our country, abuse our sanctities and oppress our defenseless nation then the Mujahideen shall also take inspiration from the historical achievements of the distinguisher of truth and falsehood, Hazrat Omar R.A. and utilize all means and military craftsmanship at disposal in their Al-Farooq spring operation to kill, expel and eliminate you. In this battle of truth and falsehood, victory and ascendency shall be awarded to the Mujahideen while defeat and humiliation shall be the fate of your moral-lacking soldiers, if Allahs wills it. With the divine help of Allah, we are awaiting the moments when our nation shall be freed from the evil of your occupation and the Afghans become the owners of a pure Islamic system in an atmosphere of brotherhood, national unity and peace and of a government free from corruption with total security, effective education, strong economy and a tranquil life, if Allah wills it. Wasalam The Leadership Council of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan 1 year ago http://www.kabulpressistan.com/kp/newstips.php?id=41#news Below is a cut-and-paste of President Hamid Karzai's reax statement to the US photo scandal: President Karzai Strongly Condemns as “Highly Provocative” the US Forces’ Posing with Dead Bodies April 19, 2012 President Hamid Karzai strongly condemns as “inhumane and provocative” the act of taking pictures by the US forces posing with the dead bodies of suicide bombers. The Los Angeles Times recently published photos, said to have been taken during 2010, of American troops posing with body parts of killed suicide bombers. Recalling similar incidents of odious nature in the past that sparked angry reaction by the Afghans and the international community at large, President Karzai stressed that “it is such a disgusting act to take photos with body parts and then share it with others.” The President underlines that the only way to put an end to such painful experiences is through an accelerated and full transition of security responsibilities to Afghan forces, so Afghanistan can take over its own destiny and, thus no such things can be repeated by the foreign forces in Afghanistan. 1 year ago http://www.kabulpressistan.com/kp/newstips.php?id=40#news Bellow is a near word-by-word translation of Karzai's statement on Kabul attacks in which he blames NATO for intelligence failure: Press Release President Karzai Praises Bravery and Sacrifice by the Afghan Security Forces in Yesterday’s Terror Attacks April 16, 2012- On this Monday’s regular meeting of the Cabinet, President Hamid Karzai strongly condemned the terrorist attacks on Sunday in Kabul, Nangarhar, Logar and Paktia provinces, which killed 4 civilians and 11 members of the security forces and injured 32 civilians and nearly 42 Afghan security forces. Suicide terrorists started targeting several areas in the Capital and in the provinces that was quickly followed by response from the ANSF forces that led to the elimination of 36 terrorists and arrest alive of one of them. Condemning the attacks in the strongest possible terms, the President commended the valor and the devotion demonstrated by the ANSF forces in quickly reacting and eliminating the terrorists. “Afghan security forces proudly displayed their ability which was itself an assurance to the people that they are capable of protecting their country.” The President also praised the security forces for the caution and the care they exercised in protecting of and preventing any further harm to civilians and for a relatively quick control of the situation. President Karzai described the infiltration by the suicide terrorists to Kabul and other provinces an “intelligence failure for us and especially NATO”, calling for a full investigation. The President stressed that the terrorists - mercenaries and stooges at the hands of foreigners - must know that by launching such attacks, they can not undermine the people’s determination in moving towards peace and progress. Deeply saddened by the tragic losses in the incidents, President Karzai offered his heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the families of the victims and prayed for a quick recovery of the wounded. 1 year ago http://www.kabulpressistan.com/kp/newstips.php?id=39#news Kazakhstan's shooting team has been left stunned after a comedy national anthem from the film Borat was played at a medal ceremony at championships in Kuwait instead of the real one. details in this link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-17491344 1 year ago http://www.kabulpressistan.com/kp/newstips.php?id=38#news Kazakhstan's shooting team has been left stunned after a comedy national anthem from the film Borat was played at a medal ceremony at championships in Kuwait instead of the real one. details in this link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-17491344 1 year ago http://www.kabulpressistan.com/kp/newstips.php?id=37#news Recently in the month of January, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan showed in a declaration its readiness to have a diplomatic office in Qatar for reciprocal understanding with the international community and had reached preliminary agreement with the government Qatar. Before that, the envoys of the Islamic Emirate had reached a settlement with the American side that the Americans will set free the prisoners of the Islamic Emirate from Guantanamo and will let them live with their families in Qatar. Similarly the Americans will not oppose the diplomatic office. The idea behind was that there should be a reference point for talks with the countries of the world and secondly to counter the propaganda that the Islamic Emirate has no political schema whereas the reality is that the Islamic Emirate works simultaneously on both political and military fronts to attain the justified rights of the Muslim Afghan nation; therefore the political and military commissions are working side by side. With the passage of time, instead of fulfilling their promises and paving the road for the forthcoming dialogues, the American media started a kind of propaganda indicative of multi-dimensional talks with the envoys of the Islamic Emirate for the solution of Afghan dilemma which was in total contradiction with the ground realities. In the same time, some secret circles of the enemy published some spurious declarations asking the Mujahedeen to freeze their attacks. This venomous propaganda created anxiety as if, may Allah forbid, a secret deal is ongoing between the Islamic Emirate and the Americans even though it is quite clear that the Islamic Emirate is an Islamic movement based on principals and all its work is transparent and under the supervision of the Amir-ul-Momineen (Leader of the Faithful) may Allah protect him. The political office of Islamic Emirate, just like its military commission, is working for the lofty aims of the ongoing Jihad which are the freedom of the beloved homeland and the implementation of the Islamic Sharia alongside the provision of the benefits of the immense sacrifices of the Muslim masses of Afghanistan in the form an Islamic government. The true sign of well-intention and of sound logic was to further strengthen the atmosphere for negotiations however the invading forces repeatedly committed such actions which served the opposite purpose. E.g. the desecration of the Holy Quran in Bagram airbase by the Americans, the slaughter of innocent children in Kapisa, Nangarhar and Ghazni provinces, the defiling of the dead bodies of martyrs and recently the martyring and then burning of the bodies of tens of children and women in Zangabad area of Panjwai district. How can the opposition on the one hand be calling towards a peaceful resolution to the Afghan problem and on the other justify such brutal actions? Therefore the Americans should first of all fulfill their promises for the real and concrete solution of the Afghan issue and initiate a translucent strategy clarifying what measures should be taken for confidence building. The Islamic Emirate is determined to expel the external forces both by military and diplomatic channels and to find a solution for Afghan issue. The Americans should come out of their perplexity and wavering and express their lucid stance by fulfilling their promises. As described in the official statement of the Islamic Emirate, the Afghan issue has two dimensions; internal and external. The external dimension is correlated with the foreigners e.g. the withdrawal of the invading forces, the release of the prisoners and so on. These problems are related to the foreigners. The internal dimension is associated with the Afghans. E.g. the unification of its people and the establishment of a strong Islamic government according to the wishes and desires of the masses for the sake of justice, stability, progress, prosperity and economic promotion which could wipe out the tears of the orphans and to heal the wounds of the oppressed people of beloved homeland. 1 year ago http://www.kabulpressistan.com/kp/newstips.php?id=36#news President Karzai disissed media reports that negotiations over Afghan-US strategic ties had been suspended. Below a cut-and-past of his statements/comments during a press conference in Kabul with the visiting Polish President Polish President: Mr.President, members of the media, I would like to thank you very much for thistalk, Mr. President. Do you remember when we met for the first time a few yearsback and at that time, we said that the solutions of the problems inAfghanistan should take first of all place by means of a political and economicnature. Today it is a good opportunity for me inAfghanistan to confirm the will of my nation for the Polish troops that shallremain in Afghanistan complying with the will of the nation members of thealliance that was expressed during the summit in Lisbonby the end of 2014. And I also want to confirm that my country isalso very much interested that the transition to the Afghan role should takeplace as well as possible. At the same time, I would like to ensure thatafter the end of our military operation in Afghanistan, Poland wants to bestill present in this country in different forms of the support that we canprovide for your nation. Today, we aregoing to have a concept of our engagement in Afghanistan in different rolesthan now after 2014. That is why I am true that the Polish andAfghan friendship that was forged under very difficult conditions willdefinitely last longer than the presence of the last Polish soldier on theAfghan soil. President Karzai: Thankyou very much! No Polish Media? You askfirst! Polish Journalist: I havetwo questions for President Karzai and President Komorowski! President Karzai,can you please say, how you imagine the participation in Afghanistan of suchcountry as Poland but also other nations after 2014? In other words, what doesAfghanistan need from Poland? The other question is for President Komorowskiand for you, President Karzai too, aren’t you afraid that the replay of thesituation in Iraq that be well ready to provide a support by other means, forexample, we were ready to build factories andothers but the security situation became so difficult that it was simplyimpossible to continue the peaceful presence in Iraq, don’t you think that itmay also happen in Afghanistan after 2014? President Karzai: Thecooperation between Poland and Afghanistan and indeed other of our allies after2014 when their troops are withdrawn will have several aspects: one aspect willbe the continuation of training and provision of other means of support for thebetter capacity of the Afghan security forces. This will be in security areas.In economic areas, Afghanistan and Poland can engage in several areas ofeconomic cooperation-minerals, transportation, trade and industrial cooperationas well where Poland is capable and willing, where Afghanistan can offer andwhere Afghanistan can engage. We also discussed earlier the possibility ofeducational cooperation between Afghanistan and Poland. We know, Poland hasgood educational institutions and there have already been Afghans who have beentrained in Poland in the past. So, perhaps, we can continue on that as well, sothere are, the end of the withdrawal of troops from Poland and of Poland inAfghanistan in 2014 will not mean the end of a relationship but will mean a continuingrelationship into the future but the end of the presence of troops inAfghanistan. Once troops are withdrawn after 2014 of the entire internationalcommunity, NATO and the United States, no, Afghanistan will engage in a set ofcooperative arrangements with them. We have already signed one with Italy, theother with France and with the United Kingdom, we are working with the UnitedStates of America on strategic partnership treaty that will provide Afghanistanthe guarantees and the means to continue into a more secure future and ofcourse, we are very much willing to do the same with Poland as well. Polish President: It isactually a coincidence that the NATO members adopted a strategy vis-à-visAfghanistan and it takes into account the aspect of security in the countryafter 2014. It is why it is so importantto stress transition to guarantee the Afghan security forces are capable forsecuring the situation in the country. Polish troops are also involved in the training of the Afghan army andthey are going to continue their training after 2014. And after 2014, otherforms of support and cooperation with Afghanistan will take hold and it isimagined now that the most beneficial and the most important from the strategicperspective will be the cooperation in the area of education and learning. Andthis is how I look currently at the program of support for the Afghanadministration that has been implemented by the Polish high administration institutions. I also ask the question from President Karzai,whether the current economic investment and investment in infrastructure is aspecially a threat whether it is posed by the Taliban and the situation ofthreatening circumstances. And it is asatisfaction and honored that the investment is to be considered strategic fromevery Afghan perspective, both coordination and assistance. And I am convincedthat in the future that business in Afghanistan will have better ways todevelop. But we are also seeing to leave behind battalions of forces to protectbusiness. President Karzai: Yes,quite right, any more questions? 1 year ago http://www.kabulpressistan.com/kp/newstips.php?id=35#news President Hamid Karzai's office say that President Obama has apologized to the Afghan leader and people over the burning of Koran. Bellow is a near word-by-word translation of the palace statement. "Barack Obama has apologized to the president and people of Afghanistan. Barack Obama, the US President in an letter has apologized to the president and people of Afghanistan over the insult to the holy Koran and some other religious materials in Bagram Air Base. In this official letter that was presented by US ambassador to the president of Afghanistan Barack Obama has written that this incident was unintentional and assured the president of investigation to it. The letter states: 'I express my sincere regret over this incident and apologize to you and the people of Afghanistan'. President Obama has written: 'this incident has taken palace mistakenly and unintentionally and I assure you that we are taking necessary measures to prevent this in the future and hold accountable those responsible." end. Kabul Pressistan, a one-stop media solution offers; Breaking-news & Security SMS Alerting, details and how subscribe here: http://www.kabulpressistan.com/sms.php 1 year ago http://www.kabulpressistan.com/kp/newstips.php?id=34#news The interior ministry in a statement blames the killing of some of the protesters in today's anti-US riots on the guards of the foreign military bases. Below are a near word-by-word translation of some parts of the official interior ministry statement: "The interior ministry will investigate the killing of some of our countrymen who died by scattered firing of the guards of the foreign military bases and dispatched delegations to several province to seriously probe the killing of our countrymen... the demonstration that erupted in district police 9 (near camp Pheonex) ended at around noon and as a result of shots fired at the crowed by the foreign guards of the Camp Pheonex one of our countrymen was killed and 10 others were injured." - end http://www.kabulpressistan.com/broadcast.php 1 year ago http://www.kabulpressistan.com/kp/newstips.php?id=33#news Deputy US Defense Secretary during a meeting with President Hamid Karzai apologized over the burning of Koran by US soldiers in Bagram. Below is a cut-and-paste of a palace statement on the meeting today in Karzai's office. Gen John Allen was present there too: US Deputy Defense Secretary Apologizes over Holy Quran Burning In Bagram Military Base February 22, 2012 American Deputy Defense Secretary, Dr. Ashton B. Carter called on President Karzai on Wednesday to discuss a number of issues of bilateral importance. At the meeting held in the Presidential Palace, top NATO commander Gen. Allen, who was accompanying the deputy Secretary, briefed the President on the incident in which copies of the Holy Quran were burnt at Bagram military base, once again expressing his sincere apologies. The US Deputy Defense Secretary expressed his regrets over the incident and apologized on behalf of Secretary Panetta to President Karzai and the people of Afghanistan. President Karzai asked NATO commander to fully cooperate with the delegation assigned to investigate the incident in the military base. Other subjects discussed in the meeting included talks on security situation, training and the equipping of Afghan security forces, the coming up Chicago conference as well as the issue of the handover of Bagram Prison control to Afghanistan. Stressing on the transfer of the prison authority to Afghan government, President Karzai said “the sooner you do the transfer of the Prison, the lesser you will have problems and unfortunate incidents.” 1 year ago http://www.kabulpressistan.com/kp/newstips.php?id=32#news Deputy US Defense Secretary during a meeting with President Hamid Karzai apologized over the burning of Koran by US soldiers in Bagram. Below is a cut-and-paste of a palace statement on the meeting today in Karzai's office. Gen John Allen was present there too: US Deputy Defense Secretary Apologizes over Holy Quran Burning In Bagram Military Base February 22, 2012 American Deputy Defense Secretary, Dr. Ashton B. Carter called on President Karzai on Wednesday to discuss a number of issues of bilateral importance. At the meeting held in the Presidential Palace, top NATO commander Gen. Allen, who was accompanying the deputy Secretary, briefed the President on the incident in which copies of the Holy Quran were burnt at Bagram military base, once again expressing his sincere apologies. The US Deputy Defense Secretary expressed his regrets over the incident and apologized on behalf of Secretary Panetta to President Karzai and the people of Afghanistan. President Karzai asked NATO commander to fully cooperate with the delegation assigned to investigate the incident in the military base. Other subjects discussed in the meeting included talks on security situation, training and the equipping of Afghan security forces, the coming up Chicago conference as well as the issue of the handover of Bagram Prison control to Afghanistan. Stressing on the transfer of the prison authority to Afghan government, President Karzai said “the sooner you do the transfer of the Prison, the lesser you will have problems and unfortunate incidents.” 1 year ago http://www.kabulpressistan.com/kp/newstips.php?id=30#news President Hamid Karzai issued a statement to call on the Taliban "leadership" to hold "direct talks" with his administration and called on Pakistan to help with the process. Below is a near word-by-word translation of his statement: Pursuant to his successful visit to Pakistan (last week) HE President Karzai issues the following statement: While peace remain the core desire of the people of Afghanistan the government of Afghanistan will continue to efforts for peace as a top priority. The process of peace that have started with our initiative is based on the general consensus including all vox of Afghan community that was clearly reflected in the Peace Jirga and transitional Loya Jirga this year. While the ownership of the peace process is with Afghans and is being led by the government of Afghanistan the success of the process requires sincere support of the international community. In this regard we have declared our support to the prevision of the opening a Taliban liaison office in Qatar. At the meantime for achieving peace process, I (Karzai) invite the leadership of the Taliban to negotiate directly with the government of Afghanistan. For achieving the goal, I (karzai) on behalf of the people and government of Afghanistan express my appreciation to the people and government of Pakistan for their support to the peace process and reconciliation in Afghanistan and while emphasizing on the importance of the Pakistan to this process demand the brotherly nation of Pakistan to support and facilitate direct talks (with the Taliban). The support of Pakistan for the success of the process is vital and can play an important role in providing peace and stability in Afghanistan the region. I (Karzai) once again emphasis that the peace process -- that in fact means the return of all Afghans including the Taliban that are left out of the political system to peaceful life in their country -- is the most reliable way for peace and stability in Afghanistan. 1 year ago http://www.kabulpressistan.com/kp/newstips.php?id=29#news Angry demonstration erupted outside Bagram Air Base and one of Kabul districts after news leaked out, likely by Afghans working at the Bagram Air Base that US troops had burned copies of Koran. The commander of the NATO forces, American General John Allen apologized and promised to investigate the incident. Bellow is a cut-and-past of Allen's statement: Commander ISAF Makes Statement Kabul, Afghanistan (Feb. 21, 2012) -- General John R. Allen, commander of the International Security Assistance Force, today issued the following statement: To the noble people of Afghanistan - I have ordered an investigation into a report I received during the night that ISAF personnel at Bagram Airbase improperly disposed of a large number of Islamic religious materials which included Korans. When we learned of these actions, we immediately intervened and stopped them. The materials recovered will be properly handled by appropriate religious authorities. 1 year ago http://www.kabulpressistan.com/kp/newstips.php?id=28#news A heavily bomb-laden car bombing rammed the gates of the Kandahar city district 4th police station and killed at least one officer. Four other people, a cop and three civilians were injured. The civilians were injured at their home near the police station, local authorities said. The bombing was blamed on the remnants of the Taliban who are waging an insurgency to bring down the President Hamid Karzai's US-backed administration. For quicker access to breaking news and other major security incident subscribe to Kabul Pressistan's Breaking-News and Security SMS Alerting. For details visit: http://www.kabulpressistan.com/sms.php 1 year ago http://www.kabulpressistan.com/kp/newstips.php?id=27#news Afghanistan health authorities say that more than 40 children have lost their lives in what's said to be Afghanistan's coldest winter in 15 years. About two dozen of the deaths are reported in unprotected refugee camps in Kabul. The other deaths occurred in central and northern provinces where the winter has been even more harsh. Save the children, a Western children charity group warned on Sunday that more kids were likely to die as tempreature For details, contact Kargar Noorughli, the public health ministry spokesman 1 year ago http://www.kabulpressistan.com/kp/newstips.php?id=26#news Taliban say the US should learn lesson from the Russian invasion. Below is a Taliban statement posted on an pro-Taliban Islamist website: Exactly 23 years from today, the occupying soldiers of the former Soviet Union wept as they withdrew from Afghanistan. The occupying troops of the Soviet Union of yesterday, just like the barbaric soldiers of America and other crusaders of today invaded our beloved homeland and for exactly ten years, they barbarically spilled the blood of its heroic Afghan people in order to subdue them. But in the end and after the Jihad, struggle and countless sacrifices of this gallant nation, it faced such a humiliating defeat that the whole red empire collapsed and the atheist communist ideology became a laughing stock of the entire world. Historically, the Afghans can declare this commemorative day as a day of salvation of the entire humanity from the evil of communism because as a consequence of their Islamic Jihad against the Soviet, not only did Afghanistan gain its independence but it also served as the driving force behind rescuing all the subdued central Asian nations from the evil of communism and from the clutches of the rule of the soviet empire. Today, on the anniversary of this commemorative day, the invading forces of America and her allies in Afghanistan, with the help of Almighty Allah are facing the exact same fate as the former intrusive Russians did due to the blessed legitimate Jihad of the Afghan people. The occupying Russians, after testing its strength against the gallant Afghans for a decade learnt that staying in the home of the Afghan Mujahid nation means nothing more than self destruction and with this realization, it fashioned a way for its departure under the cover of Geneva Accords and unconditionally withdrew all its forces. But the Americans still want to keep testing the proven Afghans and are attempting, through various unjustifiable reasons and under disastrous conditions, to stay in Afghanistan. On the occasion of this historical day of the retreat of the occupying Soviet forces, the arrogant Americans must take lessons from the previous humiliating invasions of the British and Soviets, seize their hands from this vain confrontation with the heroic Afghans and immediately withdraw all of its forces from Afghanistan. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan would like to congratulate its Mujahid nation and the entire Muslim Ummah collectively on the occasion of this celebratory day. We ask Allah to grant us the same victory against today’s occupying crusader Americans as it did against yesterday’s atheist Communists. Wasalam 1 year ago http://www.kabulpressistan.com/kp/newstips.php?id=25#news President Karzai's office said in a statement that Pakistan supports an Afghan-led peace process in Afghanistan. Below is a word by word translation of the palace statement: Afghan president Hamid Karzai met with Pakistan Prime Minister Yosuf Raza Gilani on the first day of his official visit to Pakistan. In this meeting, both the parties discussed on consolidation and extension of Afghan and Pakistan relations in jointly fight against terrorism. The meeting opened talks on bilateral economic and trade cooperation too. Pakistan Prime Minister welcomed president Karzai saying "stability in Afghanistan means stability in Pakistan and we respect your leadership". Gilani called the assassination of Afghan High Peace Council chief professor Burhanudin Rabani as the act of those who do not want the peace to be maintained in Afghanistan and promised to investigate the assassination case of professor Rabbani. Raza Gilani also asked Afghan government's cooperation on TAPI project expressing his government's readiness in solving the problems of transit between both the countries. Mr. Gilani expressed Pakistan's support on an Afghan-led peace process and called for resumption of activities of joint peace commission between Pakistan and Afghanistan. President Karzai called this visit of him to Pakistan as one of the important visits during past 10 years and thanked Pakistan government's efforts for investigation on professor Rabbani's assassination and arrest of two suspects in this regard, he expressed his hope to Pakistan government for arresting other culprits in assassination of professor Rabbani. President Karzai asked Pakistan's cooperation in peace talks with Afghan government's armed opponents saying the Afghan government has certain terms and condition in peace talks with armed opponents and that is they should accept the Afghan Constitution and respect the women rights in Afghanistan. President Karzai also assured Pakistan government of any cooperation in transit issues between Afghanistan and Pakistan, he asked Pakistan Prime Minister to let go the Afghan trucks containing school books stopped in Karachi city from a while. President Karzai called terrorism as common enemy of both the countries, he added: "Both, Afghanistan and Pakistan face threats of terrorism from both sides of Durand Line, therefore Afghanistan and Pakistan governments should continue deep bilateral relations and honest cooperation". 1 year ago http://www.kabulpressistan.com/kp/newstips.php?id=24#news President Karzai on Thursday flew to Pakistan for talks with Pakistani leaders and to attend a trilateral meet with Iran, Pakistan and his country. Below is a cut-and-past of a palace statement on his trip. President Karzai Leaves on Three-day Official Visit to Pakistan February 16, 2012 President Hamid Karzai, leading a high-level delegation, left this morning on a three-day official visit to Islamabad to attend the trilateral summit between Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran. The President is also scheduled to hold separate meetings with Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Gilani to talk about a range of issues of mutual concern including enhanced political, economic as well as anti-terror cooperation between the two countries. President Karzai is also expected to meet with Nawaz Sharif, the President of Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N), leadership of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam- Fazl-ur- Rehman faction, Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao, head of the Pakistan People’s Party-Sherpao (PPP) and Maulana Sami ul Haq, Chief Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-S faction). The President is accompanied on this trip by Foreign Minister Dr. Zalmai Rasoul, National Security Advisor Dr. Spanta, Chief of Staff to the President Abdul Karim Khurram and Presidential Spokesman Aimal Faizi. -- News Unit, Office of the Spokesperson to the President of Afghanistan, Presidential Palace (Arg), Kabul 1 year ago http://www.kabulpressistan.com/kp/newstips.php?id=23#news Taliban have posted the transcript of its spokesman interview with CNN on one of group's websites. Here's a cut-and-past. Alemarah website presents to its viewers the interview of Zabihullah Mujahid done with CNN news network on the 14/02/2012 where a range of questions regarding the current ongoing situation and political issues are answered. Q. Is it possible for the Taliban to renounce international terrorism in one of its written statements as per the American demand? A. All praise is due to Allah and may his peace and blessings be upon his chosen servant. To proceed, I must first and foremost say that we do not work according to the guidelines of America or any other country but all of our decisions are based on Islamic principles while giving consideration to our national interests however based on mutual respect, we do believe in reaching an understanding with all the countries of the world. Now, regarding the issue of terrorism: If America and its allies consider the current Jihad and struggle in Afghanistan against the eradication of the occupation and its continuation until all foreign troops leave and an Islamic government is established as terrorism, then we cannot shun this as it would be an un-Islamic act because we consider this Jihad and struggle as our Islamic obligation, the shunning of which is not possible in any circumstance. However, as we continue with this obligation (Jihad and struggle) we are religiously held responsible in preventing civilian casualties. Q. Do you have delegates based in Qatar at the moment who are engaged in talks with America? If you don’t, do you have plans to send delegations in the near future? A. A representative of Islamic Emirate has held meetings with American delegates in Qatar regarding confidence building measures. As for when we will send or not send delegations to Qatar, then it all depends on when we reach the negotiation stage. Up until now, this has not officially occurred and naturally, as we reach the negotiation stage, a delegation or a team of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan will be chosen and sent to Qatar. Q. Have you yet been asked to meet with the Karzai administration in Saudi Arabia? If not, will you accept to meet with them in Saudi Arabia if requested? A. Before I answer your question I firstly must say that in order to reach an understanding with America, Qatar was chosen as an intermediary nation by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. This was our own choice and not on due part to the behest or pressure of another nation, a selection which America also accepted. In regards to Saudi Arabia, no one has put forward such a request to us and even if such a thing was requested, our answer will be that the government of Karzai is not independent and meeting with it will not benefit in any way in solving the problem. Q. Do you believe that the active lower level Taliban will accept you accord if you were to reach a positive outcome with America in Qatar? A. In our system, no consideration is given to the issue of high rank or low rank but rather the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan works as a cohesive administration. All of its offices, its officials and members work for a mutual goal under the leadership of the Commander of the Faithful. The current talks or future negotiations all take place with the permission and guidance of the Amir and all agreements which all done with the consent of the Amir in the light of Islamic principles and national interests are happily accepted by all and they who work earnestly to implement them. Q. Do you think talking with the Karzai administration will be beneficial or do you want to directly talk with the Americans? A. I must say that Karzai, Kabul administration, Afghans and the Americans or Washington is not concerned here as some people say, as a form of protest, that the Taliban only want to talk with the Americans instead of their own Afghans. In reality, the concern is of one exercising power and one with no power. It is well known to the Afghan people as well as the world that the real power holder fighting the Mujahideen in Afghanistan is America. It has used Karzai and his administration as an instrument to maintain its grip and continue its occupation. Q. If those Taliban that are being held in Guantanamo are not released, will your negotiations with the Americans still continue? A. Negotiations have not yet began with the Americans so talking about it continuing does not mean much. Now the question is, when will negotiations begin? I must say that before any negotiations can take place, confidence building measures must first succeed so an atmosphere can be created for negotiations and this confidence building measure rests entirely with the Americans and they must take steps for it which are; exchange of Guantanamo prisoners, the opening of a political office and the termination of the black list of the United Nations as well as the bounty lists of America and her allies. 1 year ago http://www.kabulpressistan.com/kp/newstips.php?id=22#news President Karzai, according to palace sources will travel to neighboring Pakistan on Thursday to attend a trilateral meeting with Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Karzai's visit comes after a visit by Pakistani foreign minister Hina Rabbani Khar last month to Kabul which Afghan officials said was aimed at strengthening ties between the two nations after Karzai's administration boycotted several bilateral and trilateral meetings with Pakistan over the killing of Rabbani last year which then Afghan officials said was masterminded in Pakistan.... to follow up on this story or for contribution on this topic get in touch with your contact person at Kabul Pressistan, best by email info@kabulpressistan.com 1 year ago http://www.kabulpressistan.com/kp/newstips.php?id=21#news A source close of the presidential palace discloses that president Karzai has reshuffled his cabinet. The new appointments include, Jilani Popal, an Afghan Milat (a Nationalist Pashtun party) leader as transport minister, Obaidullah Obaid, Kabul envoy to Tehran as public health minister (to replace Suraya Dalil), Obaidullah Ramin, an MP as higher education minister and few others. The names of the new appointees have been sent to the parliament for its approval. Karzai's cabinet has been controversial with a good number of the ministers working as acting minister after failing to get parliament's trust vote two years ago. Karzai has been since then under pressure by parliament and civil society to appoint new ministers. To follow up on this story or for contribution on this topic get in touch with your contact person at Kabul Pressistan, best by email info@kabulpressistan.com 1 year ago http://www.kabulpressistan.com/kp/newstips.php?id=20#news testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing thesting testing testing testing testing testing 1 year ago http://www.kabulpressistan.com/kp/newstips.php?id=19#news A male lion named Sanga broke out of his cage in an Indonesian zoo, making his way through hundreds of zoo visitors to camels' enclave. Once there, the lion resorts to his predator nature and tore a part a camel for some fresh blood. He also injured a second camel before he was caught back by zoo keepers.... this is a testing message testing the function of this website... admin 1 year ago http://www.kabulpressistan.com/kp/newstips.php?id=18#news A male lion named Sanga broke out of his cage in an Indonesian zoo, making his way through hundreds of zoo visitors to camels' enclave. Once there, the lion resorts to his predator nature and tore a part a camel for some fresh blood. He also injured a second camel before he was caught back by zoo keepers.... this is a testing message testing the function of this website... admin 1 year ago http://www.kabulpressistan.com/kp/newstips.php?id=17#news testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing 1 year ago