KABUL - US ambassador to Afghanistan Hugo Llorens has said corruption is like a cancer killing the Afghan people.
The envoy said during a gathering at the US Embassy here on Monday, marking the 241st US Independence Day.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Abdullah, current and former government officials and civil society members were present on the occasion.
Ambassador Llorens thanked the CEO and other guests for attending the important event at the US embassy.
He said the Afghan people had tendered tremendous sacrifices for their independence, which they valued a lot.
The diplomat added the people of Afghanistan were the main victims of the war on terror and they recognised the fact.
He continued Afghanistan had been in conflict over the past 40 years, starting with the Soviet invasion and continuing to Taliban rule.
Llorens said the unity government was committed to eliminating corruption. Graft-tainted individuals should be given severe punishment, he stressed.
He also called for holding Wolesi Jirga and district council elections, saying free and fair polls would help restore public trust in the government and the system. (Pajhwok)