WASHINGTON - A key Congressional panel, as part of its annual budgetary approvals for State Department  has sought to impose conditions of accountability and transparency for US aid to Afghanistan.
The fresh set of recommendation on Afghanistan includes conditions on assistance for transparency, accountability, and other requirements, including prohibiting funds for new major infrastructure projects.
It forms part of the House Appropriations Committee fiscal year 2018 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations bill, which will be considered by a Congressional subcommittee Thursday.
The legislation funds the State Department, the United States Agency for International Development, and other international activities.
In total, the bill provides $47.4 billion in both regular discretionary and Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) funding. This total is $10 billion below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level 2017. Within this amount, OCO funding totals $12 billion, which supports operations and assistance in areas of conflict, such as Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
“In the wake of ever-growing international threats and challenges – such as North Korea’s recent missile test – it is more important than ever for the US to invest in robust diplomatic and global efforts to ensure stability around the world and the security of our nation and our allies,” House Appropriations Committee Chairman Rodney Frelinghuysen said.
The draft bill asks the Secretary of State to report that before disbursement of aid conditions are in place that increase the transparency and accountability of the Government of Afghanistan for funds obligated under the New Development Partnership or other incentive-based programs.
The Secretary of State is also asked to certify that the Government of Afghanistan is effectively implementing a whole-of-government, anti-corruption strategy that has been endorsed by the High Council on Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption, as agreed to at the Brussels Conference on Afghanistan in October 2016, and is prosecuting individuals alleged to be involved in corrupt or illegal activities in Afghanistan. (Pajhwok)