VIDEO: Ghani releases video from UAE, says 'in talks to return' home

Gulf Today Report

Former Afghan president Ashraf Ghani said on Wednesday he supports talks between the Taliban and top former government officials, and that he was "in talks to return" home after seeking refuge in the UAE.

"I support the government initiative of ongoing negotiations with Abdullah Abdullah and former president Hamid Karzai.

"I want the success of this process," he said in a video message.

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation can confirm that the UAE has welcomed Ashraf Ghani and his family into the country on humanitarian grounds.

Ghani said he left Afghanistan on Sunday when the Taliban invaded Kabul without resistance.

Ghani told media he wanted to avoid bloodshed. Russia said it would maintain a diplomatic presence in Kabul and hope to establish contacts with the Taliban.

Russia will not rush to establish relation with Taliban and will closely monitor its behaviour.