KABUL (Pajhwok): US Ambassador John Bass has reaffirmed America’s commitment to eliminating corruption inside and outside the Afghan government.
Addressing the annual Anti-Corruption Conference in Kabul, Bass said: “I am pleased to speak on behalf of the United States government at this important event to mark International Anti-Corruption Day...”
In a statement from the US embassy, the diplomat said: “I have been the US ambassador to Afghanistan for just over two years now. During that time, we have worked on many difficult issues together -- some successfully, others less so.”
The compelling subjects had commanded attention, focus and sustained joint work by the United States, Afghanistan, the Resolute Support coalition and other partner and donor countries and organisations, he added.
The compelling issues, according to the ambassador, are: Conflict and terrorism, supporting the Afghan security forces as they work to protect their people and respond to terrible acts of terrorism.
Dealing with the consequences of a two-year drought that increased the suffering of millions of Afghanistan’s most vulnerable citizens was a common priority, he said.
The allies were working together to reduce violence and begin intra-Afghan negotiations to secure a political settlement to the conflict, Bass added.
He also voiced support for the electoral commissions and other institutions conducting Afghan-led parliamentary and presidential elections.
“Unfortunately, the fight against corruption is not among these issues -- it is not in the same category,” the ambassador continued.
He went on to explain that did not mean there had not been progress or effort. The new anti-corruption strategy, asset declaration requirements for public officials and other measures to increase transparency were important steps forward, he said.
Before his arrival in Afghanistan, Bass said he consulted former US ambassadors and military commanders, who cited corruption as the most worrying issue.
He viewed corruption in Afghanistan as an issue that most imperiled the continued financial support from the international community, which the government and the wider society required.
Even if the Taliban relinquished violence, failure of a settlement was still quite possible, he said. The international fraternity would not provide the financial support necessary to implement a settlement, if they lack the confidence those resources will be used properly.
“The good news is that almost all Afghans agree corruption is a big problem. However, few Afghans will acknowledge any responsibility for curbing it.
Until and unless most Afghans saw fighting corruption as a joint responsibility, there was little prospect of success, Bass remarked.
“Strategies are helpful. Priorities are important. Transparency makes a big difference. But your focus now must be on ending the culture of impunity and special treatment.”
“We remain committed to working with those in Afghan society who are fighting to reduce and eliminate corruption. But we cannot substitute for determined, committed work by Afghans.”
sa/mud
