Afghanistan is Victim of Organized Crime, Indulgence of President
03.12.08 16:28



Afghanistan, Kabul, 3 December / Trend News corr A. Hakimi / Members
of the Afghan parliament say organized corruption in governmental
agencies and indulgence of President Hamid Karzai has been main
source of problem of Afghanistan over the last years.

"Afghanistan has become victim of an organized crime. Corruption is
rife in senior governmental agencies," MP Muhammad Nour Akbari said
to Trend News.

Corruption and appropriation of money is the biggest problem of
Afghanistan which is one of the five countries with a high rate of
corruption.

Former minister of transport of Afghanistan Hamidulla Qadiri was
arrested with corruption charges. The Prosecutor's Office forbade him
to leave the country. MPs said Ministry of Transport charged every
pilgrim head headed to Mecca additional $250.

"Economic crimes are organized and supported by the senior government
officials who even sign international agreements," Akbari said.

Organized crime is the largest obstacle on Afghanistan's path of
development.

Akbari said over the last years Karzai decreed to set up commissions
to fight corruption, but he could not address the problem.

"Afghanistan's development is impossible without fight against
corruption," MP Muhammad Aziz Nadim said.

He said carelessness of high rank officials and absence of punishment
laws leads to the rise in economic crimes.

"The key reason behind rise in organized corruption in the country is
the absence of a control over aid rendered to Afghanistan by
international organization and foreign countries," MP Sabrina Sahib
said.

Sahib said if there is control over the aid rendered to the country,
corruption can be prevented.

The UN Security Council has sent a delegation of 15 people to
Afghanistan.

"If UN Security Council meets with MPs, heads of public organizations
and political parties, UN strategic project on Afghanistan can be
success," Sahib said.

Many say UN role in a fight against corruption is vital.

Only 30% aid provided by world community to Afghanistan is realized
by the government. Rise in corruption and bribery in the governmental
agencies compels international community to render aid through non-
governmental agencies.

According to strategic statistics, about $20bln was spent to the
reconstruction of Afghanistan after Taliban government was
overthrown. However experts say provided aid did not contribute to
reduction of unemployment and protection of low-income families and
reduction in bribery.

Akbari said the public criticizes facts of corruption in the Afghan
governmental agencies. However foreigners, who own these
organizations, play a certain role in rise in bribery.

Akbari said bribery in the governmental agencies can be reduced by
exercising control over the activity of senior persons close to
President Karzai.