President for merit-based ANA promotions

KABUL (Pajhwok): Paying tribute to Afghan security forces for their heroism and sacrifices in defending their motherland, President Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai on Wednesday said future promotions in the military would be merit-based.

The president, also the supreme commander of the Afghan Armed Forces, was addressing a joint conference of senior military, police and intelligence officials, a statement from the Presidential Palace said.

Ahmadzai said the Afghan forces had shown the nation and the world their ability to defend their country. As supreme commander, he would not tolerate the killing of armed forces’ personnel. He warned all those involved in attacking the armed forces would face harsh consequences.

“All fallen members of the security forces are martyrs and those who think they are not, they violate Afghanistan’s Constitution and our Islamic beliefs.” The president directed the authorities concerned to ensure that families of martyred security personnel were given their rights to his satisfaction.

He said the armed security forces reserved the right to use force against individuals threatening the country’s security and creating problems for its people. He said the Afghan army should be strong enough that no one could dare engage it.

Stressing improved coordination among the security organs, Ahmadzai said the Afghan Air Force would be enabled to stand on its own feet with support from international allies.

The president said the Afghans had high expectations from their armed forces.  He said increasing liaison between the public and the forces could help improve security. Ahmadzai warned security officials of stern action if found guilty of committing corruption.

The president said he would in person interview for 30 minutes each military official being promoted as general.

ma/mud

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