Corruption in security and defense agencies is shocking but the Afghan government has a firm will to weed out the scourge, said Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah.

He was addressing the three-day joint conference between the Attorney General's Office and the defense and interior ministries.

The session was opened by President Ashraf Ghani on Tuesday. The Attorney General's Office and the Defense Ministry signed a number of joint agreements for a stern campaign against endemic corruption in the security apparatus.

Abdullah said at the conference that the selling of military equipment is a "national treason", adding that corruption in security agencies will damage the sacrifices and dedication of the Afghan forces.

"The sale of equipment and weapons is shocking," Abdullah said. "The law should be enforced equally on all. If any neglect occurs, be sure the people will think the law has been abused."

Participants of the summit spoke out about the ways to fight corruption in the security bodies.

"Today, the rank of general is bought with money. They take armored vehicles. What will do you do with armored vehicles while you are in logistics?" asked Farooq Hassas, an officer from the Interior Ministry.

"I graduated at the top of the Police Academy and military school. Mr. Attorney General was my classmate. I have been a colonel for ten years," said Mandozai Majaz, another officer referring to problems of army and police force members being merely handed the rank of general.

The Attorney General Farid Hamidi said corruption was a major threat facing soldiers.

"You (soldiers) are awake at nights to enable the men and women in this country to go to school and university, to let the children smile. All this are because of your courage and sacrifice," he said.

At the opening of the conference on Tuesday, Ghani said corruption has hampered successes of the missions of the Afghan security forces in their fight against insurgents.

LINK: https://www.ansarpress.com/english/7955

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