'I support Taliban-Karzai talks,' left Kabul to prevent bloodshed: Ghani

"I am in talks to return home after seeking refuge in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)," he said in a video message.

Speaking from exile in the UAE, Ghani said he had left Kabul to prevent bloodshed, denying reports he took large sums of money with him as he departed the presidential palace.

“I support the government initiative of ongoing negotiations with Abdullah Abdullah and former president Hamid Karzai. I want the success of this process,” he said in his first appearance since fleeing the country.

Ghani has been severely criticised by former ministers for leaving the country suddenly as Taliban forces entered Kabul on Sunday last.