Some diplomats against IELTS, TOFEL exams

KABUL (Pajhwok): Some diplomats say they are against high level English test as part of reforms at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) and termed the move against the law.

Around two months earlier, President Ashraf Ghani, ordered reforms in the MoFA, especially in human resources and appointments.

The president had stressed economic-centric reforms in the ministry and had added that officials in the ministry should be appointed on the basis of their qualification and ability.

The newly-appointed Acting Deputy Foreign Minister Haroon Chakhansouri has announced high level English Language test for all diplomats, a move strongly opposed by some diplomats.

A diplomat, wishing anonymity, told Pajhwok Afghan News the president had decreed reforms in MoFA, but the reform process had been heading at a slow-pace.

“Reforms started during Edrees Zaman’s tenure who ordered APTIS English exam for all diplomats and 70 percent diplomats took the exam,” he said.

But with appointment of Chakhansouri, the APTIS exam was replaced by TIFEL or IELTS.

The source said over 650 diplomats had opposed TOFEL and IELTS examination.

“We encourage reforms, but as per the law a diplomat should understand English and language of the host country. A diplomat in an Arab country does not need to appear in the exam of English language,” the source said.

Criticizing the marking procedure, the source said in Germany and other countries TOFEL and IELTS passing marks were five but here they had set seven marks to pass.

Another source within the MoFA said that reforms were vital, but imposing TOFEK or IELTS tests was against the law.

The source added there were several other areas in MoFA where reforms were needed apart from insisting on English language.

MOFA spokesperson Geran Hewad said some reforms were needed as far as the diplomats were concerned.

He said all diplomats would be divided into different categories and besides formal language of a particular country, they should appear in English language examination as well.

Work on taking English Language examination from diplomats has been ongoing over the past two months.

nh/ma