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ACCI, private sector call for frozen assets to be released
Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI), other chambers and the private sector have called on the United States and the international community to release the country’s frozen assets in order for businesses to return to normal.
The US froze nearly $9.5 billion in assets belonging to the Afghan central bank and stopped shipments of cash to the nation on August 18 – pushing the country to the brink of an economic collapse.
According to the ACCI at least $3 billion of this total belongs to the private sector.
The private sector has meanwhile warned that Afghanistan could face an economic collapse and a humanitarian crisis if money is not released soon.
“All accounts of our traders have been blocked and they can’t send money,” said Younas Mohmand, deputy head of the ACCI.
The Federation of Afghanistan Chambers said no banks in Afghanistan can transfer money internationally, which has led to a crisis.
“Whatever conditions they (the US) have regarding the frozen money, we are ready to provide documentation and prove that the money belongs to our members,” said Khan Jan Alokozay, deputy head of the federation.
Officials from the Chamber of Mines and Industries meanwhile said that they are experiencing serious problems in terms of sending money out of the country.
“Based on international principles, governments come and go, but civilian’s money should not be frozen. Our message to the world is that a crisis is heading for Afghanistan. Winter is coming,” said Sherbaz Kaminzada, head of the chamber.
On the other hand, the Money Exchangers Association and private banks said there has been a serious downturn in the economy following the freezing of Afghanistan’s money.
“Afghanistan’s money is frozen everywhere; it should be released as soon as possible,” said Khan Mohammad Sarfaraz, a member of Sarai Shahzada Money Exchangers Association.
Economic analysts meanwhile warned that Afghanistan could face a human catastrophe if the assets are not released.
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Continued aid to Afghanistan vital for regional security: Kazakh president
Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has emphasized the continuation of humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, stating that the ongoing provision of such aid plays an important role in ensuring regional security.
Speaking at the international conference “Peace and Trust” in Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, Tokayev described addressing complex humanitarian challenges and the reconstruction of Afghanistan as a necessity.
“To ensure regional security, we consider it essential to continue providing assistance to Afghanistan, including by strengthening international efforts to address complex humanitarian issues and the reconstruction of this country. Kazakhstan remains committed to supporting the people of Afghanistan through humanitarian aid, educational projects, trade development, and food security initiatives,” he said.
Meanwhile, experts believe that sustainable improvement of the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan requires broad cooperation from the international community and support for the country’s economic development.
“Investment can be defined as one of the fundamental drivers of the economic cycle, and whenever Afghan traders do not take their money out of the country and instead invest domestically, it naturally leads to greater growth and dynamism in Afghanistan’s economy,” said Abdul Zahoor Modabber, an economic analyst.
As the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan continues, reports by international relief organizations indicate that millions of citizens of the country are in urgent need of food, health, and livelihood assistance.
The reduction in funding for aid organizations, the impacts of climate change, and the return of migrants have increased concerns about a further deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the country.
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Islamic Emirate declines to attend Tehran meeting on Afghanistan
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Sirajuddin Haqqani: A government that intimidates its people is not a true government
Khalifa Sirajuddin Haqqani, Minister of Interior of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, said during a visit to Khost province on Friday that any government which rules through fear cannot be considered a true government.
“A government is one that is loved by its people, one that serves them with respect and compassion, and from whose behavior people learn ethics and sincerity,” he said.
Haqqani also stressed that Afghans who opposed the Islamic Emirate in the past should be tolerated and treated in a way that helps eliminate hostility and animosity, paving the way for national cohesion.
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