EU to support new Afghan gov't in fighting corruption

Visiting Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt (L) and his Afghan counterpart Rangin Dadfar Spanta attend a press conference in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan, on Nov. 10, 2009. Bildt arrived in Kabul on Tuesday and held meetings with Afghan officials. (Xinhua/Zabi Tamanna)
The Visiting Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt, whose country currently holds the European Union (EU) rotary presidency, said on Tuesday that EU would support the new Afghan government to fight corruption and helps bring stability in the war-torn country.

"We have discussed the access of that necessary new start in terms of economy, development, in terms of government and in terms of corruption," he said.

He made these remarks after holding talks with his Afghan counterpart Rangin Dadfar Spanta and exchanging views on matters pertaining mutual interests including situation in Afghanistan.

"I will propose the action plan for Afghanistan which EU has decided and wants to strengthen and streamline our engagement and support for development of Afghanistan in different ways," Bildt told a joint press conference with his Afghan counterpart here in Afghan capital.

"We need a new start and we want to engage in that new start for Afghanistan and for the cooperation of international community with Afghanistan," the Swedish top diplomat further stressed.

Afghanistan's new administration under the incumbent President Hamid Karzai would be formed within weeks.

The Swedish Foreign Minister also said that in order to build peace and to make a stable state, Afghanistan needs a government that is accountable for the people, and is not corrupt.

Earlier, President Obama and other western leaders have called on President Karzai to crack down on corrupt officials and tackle corruption in his next administration.

Increasing security incidents, poppy cultivation and the unchecked corruption, according to media reports have tarnished the image of Afghan government in recent years. As a sign of firm resolve to fight corruption, President Karzai has vowed that no corrupt officials would be in next government expectedly to be formed late this month or early December.

More than 500 Swedish troops have been serving in Afghanistan within the framework of NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) to help stabilize security in the post-Taliban country.

Source: Xinhua