“National unity in our homeland, unity among people of Afghanistan is the only response to enemies of this country, but that unity cannot be ensured if discrimination remains,” said the Chief Executive of Afghanistan, Abdullah Abdullah.

Speaking at the ceremony commemorating the third anniversary the death of Marshal Mohammad Qasim Fahim, Abdullah said discrimination between Afghans must end.

He added insurgents who are intent on destabilizing the country are being supported from beyond Afghanistan’s borders where they have safe havens.

At the same event, former president Hamid Karzai said called on the Taliban to join the peace process or face defeat.

“God direct them [Taliban] in the good way. If not, we hope that God give them defeat,” he added.

The ceremony remembered Fahim’s work and his efforts to support unity by bringing different ethnic groups together.

At the event, some participants criticized acts by Taliban and other terrorist groups.

“Our message to all armed opposition groups, particularly for the Afghan Taliban, is to join the peace process by using the current opportunity. If they don’t, they must realize clearly that they are not standing only against the 350,000 troops; they are standing against a 30-million strong nation,” he said.

Other participants urged the government to adopt effective plans to eliminate and suppress militants and boost security in the country.

“Sometimes, intentionally or unintentionally, we have been used a as a tool for evil plans of enemies of religion and the country,” said Abdul Rahim Wardak, former minister of defense.

“We have good memories from the late marshal. He was thinking about the entire Afghanistan and he was one of the main pillars of government,” said Mohammad Mohaqiq, Abdullah’s second deputy.

Establishing and implementing an organized security plan, equipping the Afghan Air Force, purposefully combating  corruption and boosting good governance were other issues raised at the gathering.