The Afghan government has appointed a former Taliban commander and provincial governor as district chief of Musa Qala, a district newly recaptured from the Taliban, in southern Afghanistan, an official confirmed Tuesday.
"It is a fact," Afghan presidential spokesman Hamayon Hamidzada said at a press briefing, answering a question concerning reports that Afghan authorities had picked up Mullah Salam as district chief of Musa Qala.
"In continuing with the Afghan government policy, the president very often said that all those who accept constitution of Afghanistan are welcome," Hamidzada said. "Mullah Salam had a rolein bringing unity in different tribes in Musa Qala."
As governor of southern Afghanistan's Uruzgan province during Taliban reign before its collapse in late 2001, Mullah Salam switched side recently and cooperated with Afghan and NATO troops to recapture Taliban main base Musa Qala in December 2007.
"He is a source of inspiration for the people," the presidential spokesman said while referring to the appointment of Salam.
Musa Qala, a known Taliban heartland in Afghanistan's troubled Helmand province, was regained by Afghan government forces during an early December major offensive launched with assistance from foreign troops.
Source:Xinhua
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