High Peace Council

Joint Secretariat

Date:November 2, 2011
S/No: 23

On the occasion of the beatific Eid Al Adha, the day of sacrifice and forgiveness, the day of dedication and servitude, the High Peace Council salutes and congratulates all Muslims, especially the benevolent pilgrims of Holy Mecca and the suffering people of Afghanistan, and begs God almighty to answer their prayers with the blessings of this auspicious month, bring brotherhood, and a just peace and lasting stability to the people of Afghanistan.
The people of Afghanistan celebrate the beatific Eid Al Adha in hard times—imposed wars devastate their lives on a daily basis. Life has become bitter for them. During the last three decades, they have endured much suffering, pain and agony. And still, there are those who would sacrifice innocent people for their political expediencies. They follow orders of foreigners to target the oppressed people of Afghanistan. Like all other societies, Afghans needs to live in peace and security. Instead of sacrificing even more, our society should provide for the livelihoods of millions of orphaned children and destitute women.
Can a Muslim allow himself to kill other Muslims and civilians? Can a Muslim allow himself to shed his brother’s blood with impunity and be used as tool for the satanic desires of others?
In order to restore peace and stability, the Afghan government has always stressed that peace can only be achieved through reconciliation and negotiations. The time has come for neighboring countries to put an end to their interference through violence and let the Afghan people live in peace and security.
It is well known that killing Muslims and violence has no place in Islam. The High Peace Council asks those who oppose Afghanistan to put an end to violence and to take responsibility for the fate and lives of the people of Afghanistan. Looking at the security as well as the social, political and economical circumstances in the country, the High Peace Council asks all the parties involved to end this chaotic state of affairs through negotiations.  
The High Peace Council has repeatedly stated that peace is a divine matter. It welcomes those who desire an honorable and peaceful Afghanistan and abandon violence.  Those who continue to create obstacles for this process must remember that peace is what the people of the Afghanistan desire and are willing to fight for. The HPC in the strongest possible terms demands that the opposition cease waging wars and stop opposing the will of the Afghan people. 
The High Peace Council respects and values the decision of those who are seeking peace and are willing to negotiate with their brothers. However, those who are not visible cannot be counted on as negotiating partners.  The High Peace Council has tried many times to establish contacts with opposition leaders, but these contacts did not achieve the desired results. As long as the opposition does not have an address, the High Peace Council will not be able to conduct any negotiations. If opposition leaders aspire to be part of the Afghan society, they need to acquire independence and political identity.
The High Peace Council believes that the opposition leaders are living outside the country and are supported by some neighboring countries. The High Peace Council requests Pakistan to keep its promises and start a practical, resolute and sincere cooperation regarding the killing of Professor Rabbani and hold accountable those who were involved.
The High Peace Council takes this opportunity to welcome the Istanbul and Bonn conferences. It believes that they will play an important role towards the promotion of stability in the region, and the long term commitments of the international community, especially the countries in the region. Furthermore, this council asks the international participants to continue their commitments to Afghanistan and to support its efforts towards peace.
In addition, the HPC welcomes the upcoming Loya Jirga, the quintessential representation of the Afghan people, the highest decision making body in the country, and asks its members to make decisions that will lead to lasting peace and progress.
The High Peace Council once again, on this holy day, expresses its best wishes for the people of Afghanistan. It considers this day as an opportunity to return to God and to renew our Islamic brotherhood in Afghanistan. The High Peace Council hopes that our religious people will pray for peace and security in the region during these holy days of the beatific Eid Al Adha.

May God bring success
The High Peace Council, October 29, 2011
7/8/1390
[October 29, 2011]