Afghan Vice President Amrullah Saleh declares himself legitimate 'caretaker president'

Amrullah Saleh, First Vice President of Afghanistan (File image: Reuters)

While Afghanistan's embattled President Ashraf Ghani fled the nation hours before Taliban's takeover of Kabul, country's first Vice President Amrullah Saleh asserted on August 17 that he is the legitimate caretaker president.

Even as the Islamist group has taken over the presidential palace and is poised to form the next government, Saleh said the government, of which he is a part, will take measures to secure support and consensus among key stakeholders.

Saleh took to Twitter to announce that he is the caretaker president of Afghanistan, in accordance to the country's constitution which allows him to takeover the post in absence of the incumbent president.

Clarity: As per d constitution of Afg, in absence, escape, resignation or death of the President the FVP becomes the caretaker President. I am currently inside my country & am the legitimate care taker President. Am reaching out to all leaders to secure their support & consensus.

— Amrullah Saleh (@AmrullahSaleh2) August 17, 2021

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Saleh's remarks came shortly before Taliban addressed their first press conference after overthrowing the Ghani government.

The group's chief spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid said Afghanistan has been "now emancipated" and the new regime does not seek any internal or external enemies.

Taliban has pardoned all those who fought against them on behalf of the United States or the Ghani-led government, he said. "No one will be interrogated", Mujahid categorically stated.

A new Islamic government will be formed, the Taliban spokesperson said, adding that normalcy would soon be restored in the country. "Afghanistan would no longer remain a battlefield," he said.