High level of violence in Afghanistan worries Japan

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Afghan government will transparently spend the financial assistance it receives from Tokyo this year, the Japanese ambassador hopes.

Takashi Okada asked the Ghani administration to take concrete action to control corruption and make sure the Japanese aid reached the Afghans in an effective manner.

Speaking to a Kabul-based TV channel, the ambassador voiced his grave concern over the high level of violence in Afghanistan. He called for the warring parties to cut violence in the interest of peace.

Okada told Tolonews: “The Japanese government has decided to provide 122 million US dollars economic assistance to the government of Afghanistan.”

Humanitarian and development assistance is the focus of this year’s Japanese aid, which is focused on the vulnerable segments hard hit by COVID-19.

“For this assistance to have maximum impact, the one important element is transparency. We hope that the Afghan government will continue its efforts to eradicate corruption...”

The top Japanese diplomat was quoted as saying: “The package includes projects which provide food, nutrition, medical care and protection to returning refugees.”

Japan stoutly supported a peaceful Afghanistan, the ambassador said, adding it was up to the Afghans to decide the country’s future.

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