A Rare Interview with Afghanistan’s President and First Lady

CHRISTIANE AMANPOUR: You know, it’s rare to see the first couple speak at the same time, and I wondered whether you had a message this new year, particularly with the incoming administration in the United States.

ASHRAF GHANI, AFGHANISTAN PRESIDENT: Well first of all, a very happy New Year. Our deepest sympathies on the losses from corona, our gratitude for the sacrifice of the American servicemen and women, 2448 of whom they’ve paid the ultimate sacrifice, our thanks to over a million American men and women in uniform who have served in our country. I look to a world that would be healed, that would become whole, that our partnership will be strengthened and based on mutual interest, mutual respect and mutual trust and I trust that we will be able to obtain peace in Afghanistan and hopefully stability in the region.

RULA GHANI, FIRST LADY OF AFGHANISTAN: All I would like to say is that COVID has taught us humility. We find out that no matter who we are, we’re not in control of our lives and we need to always to adapt. So that’s the lesson I get from those two.

AMANPOUR: Well, let’s address all those issues. First, I want to ask you both because I think it matters to you both as representatives of all the Afghan people, what is the latest in the peace talks, the so-called peace process, that the United States has backed and initiated between your government and the Taliban forces?

A. GHANI: Well, first of all, the beginning is important because after what, nearly 20 years of conflict, we are beginning to speak. The process has been slow because over four months was spent just dealing with procedure, but this second round message is can we agree on the goal that the international community and the region has agreed with us, namely a sovereign democratic united Afghanistan at peace with itself in the region. If that goal becomes accepted, then we can move forward, but if the objective of the Taliban is to dominate and give us the peace of the grave, then that will have very negative consequences. Our society is united and seeking peace, but we want to have a positive peace.