An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Zabul Governor: Unite in peace for Afghanistan, for the World

  • Published
  • By Capt. Jean Duggan
  • Zabul Provincial Reconstruction Team
PROVINCIAL RECONSTRUCTION TEAM, Qalat, Afghanistan --  Nearly 200 village elders, children and Zabul provincial government officials gathered Sept. 21 to celebrate the United Nations' Day of Peace.

To bring peace, one must have security--the irony of the event was hard to miss. Speakers and spectators were surrounded by dozens of armed Afghan National Police, Afghan National Army and National Directorate for Security personnel on the lookout for any trouble.

"I hope this day of peace can be maintained in Afghanistan," said Zabul provincial governor Delbar Jan Arman. "There should be an end to the misery in our country. If we can come to terms with each other, there will be no need for war. If there is peace in this country, there will be peace in the world."

Arman condemned terrorist acts, such as suicide bombing, saying those who don't want peace do not follow Islam.

"Suicide bombers don't care for their own lives, so how can they care about the people of this country?" he asked. "Terrorists don't recognize mosques; they don't differentiate between good people and bad people, and they don't obey the instruction of Islam and the Holy Quran. Terrorists are the enemies of mankind. They are against humanity. Let's stand up against the people who come in the way of maintaining world peace."

"I hope this will be the last war in Afghanistan and that peace will take the place of war in this country," said Dr. Zahir Shah, Qalat office director of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan. "This day gives us an opportunity to ... show our unity against those people who are against peace. The people of Zabul province are not alone; we support you. Today is a great day--At least for one day, we don't hear the noise of gunshots. Let's hope every day can be a peaceful day in Afghanistan."

"For more than five years, coalition Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and civilians have served every day alongside Afghans to help bring peace and a brighter future for the people of Afghanistan," said Air Force Lt. Col. Bryce Brakman, Zabul Provincial Reconstruction Team commander. "I'm proud to be a part of this with Governor Arman and the people of Zabul province."

At the end of the event, the governor, his provincial council and personnel from the Zabul PRT released several doves -- an internationally-recognized symbol of peace.

For further information, please contact the Zabul Provincial Reconstruction Team public affairs office at 0700-366-755.