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KABUL (SW) – In an electoral campaign-like speech, President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani has said the National Unity Government’s counter-corruption agenda is not aimed against anyone specific.
He said this at a gathering marking the International Anti-Corruption Day here on Sunday. This comes as the president’s critics have been pronouncing the reform agenda to be ‘ethno-centric, suspicious and selfish’.
However, Ghani noted two groups of people are opposing the reform agenda, one of which fears the bases for a progressive society has been laid with these reforms. He went on to say the other group opposing the reform agenda believes it is aimed against others. He added the second group is viewing the reform agenda in a negative manner, and to be against their personal gains.
The president mentioned the procurement process, the ‘Kankoor’ university entrance exams, and appointments in the public sector as success stories in regard to counter-corruption moves by the government.
Ghani blamed the previous administration for the backwardness of the country, and stressed that the country was about to overcome it.
Sarwar Danish, deputy president, said on his term that though some of the government's internal and foreign moves against graft are unjust, but unlike his boss, he said complete success has not been achieved against the menace of corruption yet.
At this moot, Sir Nicholas Kay, British Ambassador in Kabul, said in critical tone he cannot decide whether to be happy or sad on the occasion of International Anti-Corruption Day in Afghanistan. John Bas, the US Ambassador to Kabul, stressed upon implementation of the reform agenda, and underlined the police should treat all citizens equally.
The International Anti-Corruption Day comes at a time when a number of top officials would be granted top government medals for their services.
ENDS
