FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 25, 2007
CONTACT:
Joshua Gross, Director of Media Relations
(202) 202 292 4285 / (202) 657 8052
Gross@embassyofafghanistan.org
website: www.embassyofafghanistan.org
AFGHANISTAN FREEDOM AND SECURITY SUPPORT ACT WILL PROVIDE COUNTRY WITH CRUCIAL RESOURCES FOR RECONSTRUCTION AND TO FIGHT TERRORISM
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On May 23, the House Committee on Foreign Affairs approved H.R. 2446, the Afghanistan Freedom and Security Support Act (AFSSA), authorizing $1.6 billion per year over the next three years for development, economic and security assistance programs in Afghanistan. Co-sponsored by Chairman Tom Lantos (D-CA) and ranking member Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), the measure reaffirms America’s long-term commitment to Afghanistan and renews the landmark 2002 Afghanistan Freedom Support Act.
Afghanistan’s Ambassador to the U.S. Said T. Jawad expressed the deep appreciation of the Afghan government and people for the U.S.’ continued commitment to Afghanistan, reserving a special measure of gratitude for Chairman Lantos’ and Ranking Member Ros-Lehtinen’s leadership in addressing the country’s national priorities through the legislation.
“I am grateful for bipartisan sponsorship and support of H.R. 2446, the latest step taken by the U.S. Congress to recognize the magnitude of the challenges that we are facing in Afghanistan. These much needed resources will enhance the capacity of the Afghan government to deliver services and improve the lives of the Afghan people. Throughout the next three years, the $1.6 billion a year will assist in alleviating some of Afghanistan’s most pressing security and reconstruction needs, and will address the key issues of fighting narcotics, building a strong civil society, and alleviating Afghanistan’s emerging refugee problem,” said Ambassador Jawad.
The Ambassador stated that he is particularly pleased that the measure specifically refers to the reconstruction and security framework established by the Afghanistan National Development Strategy and the Afghanistan Compact to guide the direction of the assistance programs.
The Ambassador expressed the Afghan Government’s appreciation for the provision in the legislation that would require the appointment of an ambassadorial level U.S. coordinator of reconstruction aid to ensure policy consistency among relevant U.S. governmental agencies, and to pursue coordination with other countries and international organizations. Presently, over 60 counties are involved in the reconstruction of Afghanistan and 36 countries have contributed troops to the military mission.
“The Afghan people appreciate the participation of the international community in the reconstruction effort,” said the Ambassador. “Presently, a significant portion of aid is guided by each donor’s preference rather than our national priorities and development strategy. When Afghans see poorly-built schools and clinics collapsing in their provinces, they lose faith in the Afghan government and the international community. The legislation’s mandate that international assistance be more effectively carried out will build confidence among the Afghan people that services are being delivered in the most efficient manner. The goodwill of the Afghan people is our most valuable asset.”
While the Afghan Government is intently pursuing a counter-narcotics program, the legislative package contains a number of innovative approaches designed to reduce the level of narcotics production and to interdict narcotics traffickers and to shut down their laboratories.
To further enhance women’s rights, $45 million will be made available each fiscal year for the Afghan Ministry of Women's Affairs, the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commissions, and various programs for women and girls. The bill further authorizes $75 million each fiscal year for emergency energy resources and new power generation. Currently, only 9% of Afghanistan has access to electricity.
“The war against the Taliban and Al Qaeda in Afghanistan will not be won by military means alone. This bill reflects a growing consensus that the U.S. and Afghanistan must work together to fight terrorism as a phenomenon, as well as terrorists as individuals,” said Ambassador Jawad.
The Ambassador expressed confidence that the AFSSA would move expeditiously to final passage, once more demonstrating the steadfast commitment of the United States to a free and secure Afghanistan.
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