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Senate Summons Top Govt Security Officials

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Afghanistan's top security officials on Saturday went before the Senate to answer questions on preparations for the Afghan National Security Forces to take full security responsibility once Nato and the US troops withdraw in 2014.

The officials summoned to answer questions about the post-2014 scenario included the Minister of Interior and the Minister of Defence, the Head of the Independent Directorate of Local Governance, deputies of the National Directorate of Security, and the Chief of Army Staff.

A number of senators called on the security officials to ensure there were more efforts to secure highways as well as better governance.

"The security of highways should be provided in a serious manner by security forces. What could we expect from the forces after 2014, if this isn't done?," said Senator Hedayatullah Rahaee.

Senator Hafez Abdulqayoum raised his concerns over the lack of equipment.

"The Afghan National Army does not have enough equipment for providing security. The lack of an air force is one such challenge which needs to be addressed," he told the officials.

Chief of Army Staff stated that although the army's air force is yet not fully equipped and funded, the army is capable of providing security across country and is will be further strengthened in the future.

"That which is committed for the national army is being carried out. We are currently facing shortage of heavy artilleries and lack of an air force but the national army forces are capable of providing security in the country," Lt. Gen. Sher Mohammad Karimi told the senators.

Head of Independent Directorate of Local Governance Abdulkhaliq Farahi said there had been progress in the area of governance.

"Although governance in the country has had challenges, there has been a lot done in this area," he said. "All the activities of the government staff and of most of the district governors of the country are being reviewed."

A number of senators believe Afghanistan will confront no real security challenges if there are more efforts by the government to gain support from the people for the country's security forces, and if the forces are better mobilised.

Minister of Interior Mujtaba Patang did not attend, sending his deputy of security instead. This was rejected by the Senate who have summoned Patang again for questioning.


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