RIYADH — Saudi Arabia welcomed a landmark power-sharing deal to end months-long political uncertainty in Afghanistan, Saudi Press Agency reported early Monday. Welcoming the agreement between Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and his rival Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the Kingdom wishes that this important step will lead to establishing enduring security, stability and peace in all parts of Afghanistan, and to meet the hopes and aspirations of its people. The ministry reaffirmed Saudi support for Afghanistan and its new government in achieving the aspirations of the Afghan people for prosperity, progress and development. As part of the power-sharing accord, Ghani will stay on as president while both men will choose an equal number of ministers. Dr. Abdullah will lead peace talks with the Taliban, should they get under way. It is hoped the deal in the capital Kabul will help maintain the balance of power that existed before last year's disputed presidential polls. Ghani and Dr. Abdullah both claimed victory in the elections and they held separate inauguration ceremonies last month. The United Arab Emirates also welcomed the Afghan government deal, expressing hope that the deal represents a step toward enhancing stability, peace, and security throughout Afghanistan. In a statement released on Sunday carried by state news agency WAM, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation renewed its call for an immediate ceasefire and reaffirmed its support for a similar call by the Afghan President and the UN Secretary-General. The ministry also discouraged any escalation in these critical times and urged parties to achieve peace and security in the country as soon as possible while continuing humanitarian efforts to combat COVID-19. It also reiterated its firm stance alongside the people of Afghanistan and all voices calling for calm to spare the lives of innocent people. "Continued acts of terrorism will only lead to more killing, the terrorizing of innocent civilians, and the aggravation of destruction and instability in the country," it concluded. Meanwhile, the Taliban insurgents mounted a deadly attack on an Afghan intelligence agency post Monday, killing at least seven intelligence personnel in the eastern province of Ghazni and wounding scores. "The terrorists have used a humvee in their attack. They have targeted the National Directorate of Security unit in Ghazni city," the spokesman for the province's governor. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said on Twitter that its insurgents had carried out the attack. — Agencies
