First Vice President of Afghanistan General Dostum living in exile in Turkey returns back
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KABUL - First Vice President Gen. Abdul Rashid Dostum, who has been living in exile in Turkey for more than a year, is expected to return home on Sunday, the Presidential Palace (ARG) announced onSaturday.
President Ashraf Ghani’s spokesman Haroon Chakhansuri on Saturday said at a press conference that all preparations are in place for Dostum’s return and that he will be warmly welcomed homeby government officials.
Dostum supporters have repeatedly said the first vice president was prevented from returning home but on Saturday, Chakhansuri said Dostum had been in Turkey to undergo medical treatment. He said the first vice president has recovered and as such will return home.
“He (Dostum) has recovered now and tomorrow he will be welcomed at a ceremony on his arrival in Kabul,” Chakhansuri said.
Meanwhile, members of Dostum’s party, the Islamic National Movement of Afghanistan, said high-ranking government officials such as Mohammad Sarwar Danish, the Second Vice President, willbe at the airport on Sunday to meet Dostum.
The deputy head of the Islamic National Movement of Afghanistan, Abdullah Qaraloq, said Dostum will immediately return to his office after his arrival.
Dostum left the country 14 months ago after allegations were lodged against him of sexual assault against the former Jawzjan governor Ahmad Eschi.
As a result, tension reportedly increased between him and Ghani.
At the time of his departure, Dostum said he was going to Turkey due to ill health. However his supporters have repeatedly stated that government refused to allow him to return.
