Kerry aims to ease crisis over Afghan unity pact during Kabul visit

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry suggested that Afghanistan's national unity government could continue beyond September, a step that could irk the opposition even as he attempts to avert a brewing political crisis.

Kerry's unannounced visit to Kabul was intended to demonstrate support for the national unity government headed by President Ashraf Ghani, victor of the disputed election of 2014 and his runner up Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah.

The visit comes at a difficult moment for Afghanistan, with Ghani's government weakened by infighting between rivals, the economy sinking and the resurgent Taliban stronger than at any time since they were toppled from power in late 2001.

Underlining the precarious security situation, at least two explosions, apparently from rockets, hit the diplomatic zone of the capital shortly after Kerry's visit ended and his plane was preparing to take off from Bagram airport outside the city.

Kerry repeated an offer of peace talks with the Taliban and called on Afghanistan's fractious politicians to work together.

"Democracy requires credible institutions," he said. "Even more than that, it requires a willingness of people … from different political and ethnic and geographic factions to be able to come together and work for a common good."

Under the national unity deal, a loya jirga, or special assembly, was expected to be held to amend the constitution within two years of the September 2014 election, potentially allowing Abdullah to take the post of prime minister. - Read More

Kerry aims to ease crisis over Afghan unity pact during Kabul visit

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