KABUL-Afghanistan - Officials from the Ministry of Interior and coalition gathered for a ceremony thanking the Japanese government and people for their contributions to the Afghan National Police Drug Rehabilitation Center Sunday in West Kabul.
During his opening remarks Gen. Ghulam Ali Wahdat, deputy minister for Administration and Support for MoI, commented that drug addiction in Afghanistan is a well-known problem and drug addiction within the ANP opens the door for corruption.
Currently, more than 900 ANP patients have completed a rehabilitation program. But since drug addiction affects many people the center lacked the equipment to provide their services to more ANP personnel.
The people of Japan understand and fully believe in the importance of a strong national police force.
“Japan was defeated by World War II, to rebuild the country we focused on two things: education and the police force,” said Seiji Okada, deputy chief of mission at the Japanese Embassy in Kabul.
He added that, “Without a solid, independent, transparent police, it is very difficult to have the development of the country.”
The Japanese government donated $700,000 to the Law and Order Trust Fund for Afghanistan. The funds have been used to purchase a variety of medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, ambulances, clothing items, vehicles and general items for daily use by the patients.
“The ANP does not have the funds to solve problems like these [drug addiction], the solution rests on the generosity of the International Community,” said Brig. Gen. Jozef Nasiadka, deputy commanding general of International Security Cooperation at NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan.
This donation is not the first from Japan. According to Okada the Japanese government has contributed roughly five-billion dollars over five years to Afghanistan as well as their contribution of 50 percent of ANP salaries.
“Japan believes it is very important to provide assistance to the Afghan National Police because the stability and strength of the ANP is one of the key factors for a successful transition,” said Okada.
Before the ceremony Okada spent time speaking with several of the patients who are currently participating in the rehabilitation program. He asked how they felt about the center and the program and he stressed the importance of a true commitment from them to get better and rejoin the ANP.
“Japan is listed as one of the safest countries in the world. A police officer is one of the most respected occupations in our country. This is what we hope for Afghanistan as well,” said Okada.
| Date Taken: |
02.13.2011 |
| Date Posted: |
02.17.2011 01:39 |
| Story ID: |
65573 |
| Location: |
KABUL, AF |
| Web Views: |
80 |
| Downloads: |
0 |
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