KABUL - U.S President Donald Trump’s national security advisor H.R McMaster has called on the leaders of the National Unity Government (NUG) to take firm steps against endemic corruption in the country.
The U.S expects the NUG to take firm action against corruption, CEO Abdullah Abdullah quoted McMaster on Monday as saying.
“One of the key elements which has weakened the system and our capacities is unfortunately the issue of corruption,” said Abdullah.
Meanwhile, Sayed Ghulam Hussain Fakhri, chairman of the High Office of Oversight and Anti-Corruption (HOOAC), has said that ongoing efforts by government to combat corruption were not enough to combat the trend in the country. He suggested more comprehensive strategies be forged to tackle the problem.
“War against corruption must continue consistently and it should be separate from politics,” said Fakhri.
McMaster, who arrived in Kabul early Sunday, met with NUG leaders and high-ranking officials, and discussed a number of issues including Afghan-America relations, the fight against terrorism, regional issues, and the economic and development situation in the country.
NUG leaders have said that McMaster will brief the White House about the situation in Afghanistan on the basis of which the US will outline its long term program for Afghanistan.
While in Kabul, McMaster also reiterated Washington’s commitment to cooperating with Afghanistan.
The other important message conveyed by McMaster was that the U.S will not allow Afghanistan to become a safe haven for terrorists.
“The main point on which the two sides agreed was on the resolve of Afghanistan and the United States in their war against terrorism, and detailed discussions were held in this respect,” said presidential spokesman Shahhussain Murtazawi.
Meanwhile, a number of political experts stressed the need for continued financial and military aid to Afghan security forces and for the need to hit terrorist hideouts and safe havens.
“There is a need for more pressure to be put on terrorist hideouts and safe havens in Pakistan, and terrorist groups should not be allowed to pose threats to Afghanistan’s stability and peace,” said political activist Ajmal Balochzada.
Anti-graft institutions say that war, poverty, unemployment, illiteracy, impunity and social injustice are among the key factors of corruption in Afghanistan. (Tolonews)