10 March
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani expressed his resolve to open dialogue with the Taliban militant group as he was sworn in for a second term.
Ghani pledged to work hard for all Afghans during his inauguration ceremony at the presidential palace in Kabul on Monday.
The event was interrupted by sounds of rockets landing near the palace. Some attendees ran for cover, but Ghani resumed his speech after a pause.
The president referred to proposed talks with the Taliban, which follows the group's signing of a peace agreement with the United States late last month.
Ghani said he plans to finalize a team to manage the talks, which could be held as early as on Tuesday. He said he is also planning to give instructions soon on the release of Taliban prisoners.
Ghani's government faces uncertainties ahead. His election rival, former chief executive Abdullah Abdullah, has claimed fraud in the September elections.
Abdullah refuses to recognize Ghani's new term. Supporters reportedly swore Abdullah in as president in a separate inauguration ceremony on Monday.
Concerns are rising that the political turmoil could impact the US-Taliban agreement, which includes plans to fully withdraw American troops from Afghanistan.
NHK
