BERLIN - German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen has said that extending the presence of German troops in Afghanistan does not mean giving a blank cheque to the Afghan government, but said that Afghan officials must take steps to bring about reforms in the electoral system, promote good governance and combat corruption.

Speaking before German lawmakers on Friday, she reiterated the call to the Afghan government to abide by commitments made to the international community and ensure implementation of reforms in the country.

She said more focus on Kabul by foreign troops has undermined the morale of the Afghan security forces and it has encouraged the Taliban.

In total, 980 German soldiers will continue their mission in Afghanistan until the end of 2016.

"The message coming out of our stay in Afghanistan shouldn't be meant as giving a blank cheque to Afghanistan, we expect that the Afghan government abides by its commitments regarding implementation of reforms in electoral system and economic sector," she said.

The Afghan government has promised the international community to take practical steps for reforms that include reforms in good governance, electoral reforms and fighting corruption.

"We never asked the international community and friendly countries for a blank cheque. We have introduced specific programs formulated on the basis of reforms which is known as a self-sufficiency document and implemented reforms in line with the same document which was also endorsed by the world," Sayed Zafar Hashemi, a deputy presidential spokesman said on Friday.

"Recent commitments were made by Western countries during the president's tour to move forward in the light of the same document," he added.

This comes at a time that critics have persistently blasted the national unity government for not taking solid steps to fight corruption and promote good governance.

"When we do not abide by our commitments, this would decrease international aid which will also impact our economic sector and security and the present system," Zaman Khan Amarkhail, head of Anti-Corruption Network (AACN) said.

The international community has on a number of occasions announced that further aid to Afghanistan would be related to the implementation of basic reforms in the country. (Tolonews)