KABUL - The European Union (EU) ambassador to Afghanistan has expressed concern over widespread corruption in Afghanistan, offering the unity government assistance in the war on the scourge.
Franz Michael Melbin made the remarks during an exclusive interview with Pajhwok Afghan News at the launch of the EU’s seven-week campaign against corruption in Afghanistan.
Asked how he viewed Kabul’s campaign against corruption, Melbin replied: “The Afghan government should put in more efforts to deal with the challenge. The government is also aware of the urgent need for the elimination of graft; we hope we will see tangible progress in this area.”
Administrative corruption had significantly damaged the Afghan government’s credibility, he observed. “We think the Afghans would prefer to do bad things according to the current situation of the Afghan government, because they know the government has not provided the services they expected,”
The diplomat explained: “There are various reasons for the Afghan government’s failure to battle corruption. Poor governance is one of the major reasons. Eliminating corruption is difficult when government officials and judicial organs are tarred with the same brush.”
Melbin called the ongoing insurgency in Afghanistan another major factor behind corruption, which was having a negative impact on the development of the country and efforts for peace. He stressed better management of financial affairs by interior and defence ministries.
Melbin also pointed to the presence of corruption in other state organs, saying international donors would not provide aid for education and training if the judicious use of funds was not guaranteed.
“We should identify weaknesses, keep special focus on removing them and devise an effective counter-corruption strategy. The Afghan government should do the same to deal with the issue,” Melbin remarked.
He noted corruption had been fuelling insecurity in the country, letting insurgents and criminal groups continue their illegal activities, illegal excavation of mines.
“Administrative corruption empowers insurgents against the government. All Afghans should accept the norm that a legitimate government should always be trusted and insurgents treated as enemies,” the ambassador said.
The EU diplomat called upon the government to discharge its responsibilities in fighting against corruption. The people should also mount pressure on the rulers to perform their duty efficiently.
However, Melbin alleged both government and Afghan society had shown little interest in eradicating corruption. “Government officials benefit from corruption; which could not be controlled in a short time. All should work together to put an end to this culture.”
He added the first step in this regard was to banish the culture of impunity and venality; otherwise eliminating the phenomenon would not be possible.
About European cooperation with the Ghani administration in sidelining graft-tainted Afghan officials, Melbin said: “They would do so if the Afghan government agrees. It’s disappointing to see the corrupt exonerated by courts. It also shows the weakness of the international community.”
Given the tenuous judicial system of Afghanistan, the envoy said, it was difficult to convince European courts to deport corruption-tainted Afghan officials to their country to face the music.
Melbin stressed he was disagreeing with a US intelligence official who said Afghanistan would face to a political collision next year and said it was on interest of Afghans to make effective decisions based on their national interests and they all together should fight corruption.
The diplomat said he felt optimistic about Afghanistan’s future after talks with President Ashraf Ghani on the elimination of corruption. Ghani assured the EU ambassador of his government’s strong commitment to combating corruption. (Pajhwok)