Tuesday, February 03, 2015
Kabul (BNA) Eight ministers of the national unity government, who won votes of confidence from Wolesi Jirga, formally began work yesterday.
The first vice president General Abdul Rashid Dostum accompanied by presidential advisor on National Security, Hanif Atmar, introduced the chief of National Directorate for Security (NDS) Rahmatullah Nabil to the employees of the national intelligence agency here yesterday.
In a ceremony commenced by recitation of verses from Holy Quran in the premises of NDS, first vice president Gen. Dostum introduced Nabil to the staff of employees of the entity.
Nabil was approved by House of People as chief of NDS last week and the vice president in his speech described him as young, energetic and patriotic personality, saying Afghans today have experienced chief of national directorate for security.
Describing NDS as very important national body, the vice president said boosting national security forces particularly the NDS is essential for ensuring security along the borders, highways and the whole country at large. In his address, Nabil thanked the president, the vice president, the chief executive and parliamentarians for trusting him to the post and vowed to act upon his pledges he made in the House of People.
Minister of Interior Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Abdullah Abdullah introduced Minister of Interior Noor-ul-Haq Ulumi to employees of ministry at a ceremony. The CEO hoped Ulumi would be able to improve the security situation in the country. He assured the minister of full support.
Ulumi said he would preserve the achievements of the last 13 years. Steps would be taken to build police into a professional force and curb corruption within the ministry. He promised strengthening coordination between security and judicial institutions and controlling incidents of violence that mainly claimed the lives of police officials.
He said strict measure would be taken to stop drug trafficking and its production. According to Ulumi, country-wide law and order situation would be improved in order to attract foreign direct investment.
He said the financial affairs of the ministry would be made more transparent, adding that relations of police and masses would be improved during his tenure.
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Abdullah Abdullah introduced Salahuddin Rabbani at a ceremony to the employees of the ministry.
For his part, the minister promised a proactive foreign policy would be framed based on discussions with intellectuals, members of parliament, political parties and technocrats.
He would be trying to place a balanced foreign policy, supported by the people of Afghanistan, before public representatives for approval.
Rabbani vowed to serve all Afghans, not a specific group, and that he would never compromise the national interest or religious values during his tenure as foreign minister. Abdullah said introduction of the cabinet showed the unity government was sincere in trying to achieve its targets. They would fully support the newly-appointed ministers in running their affairs, he pledged. The CEO praised Wolesi Jirga members for giving trust votes to eight cabinet picks and the spymaster. He said the remaining cabinet members would be introduced to the lower house in coming weeks.
Finance Minister
Eklil Ahmad Hakimi was introduced to ministry staff by First Vice President Gen. Abdul Rashid Dostam. Dostam asked the minister to focus on eradicating corruption.
He said the government was investigating the Kabul Bank scandal and the accused would be brought to justice soon.
Hakimi said he would implement laws and the custom departments would be reformed. No one would be allowed to use their powers for personal benefits.
Minister of Public Health
Dr. Firozuddin Firoz was introduced to ministry employees by second Vice President Mohammad Sarwar Danesh. Danesh asked the minister to ensure all citizens had access to free medical services.
Firozuddin said he would implement his promises and under his leadership health services would be expanded and government hospitals improved. The minister, who would ensure health facilities in the country, would pursue a determined campaign against expired and low-quality drugs.
Minister of Hajj and Religious Affairs
Faiz Mohammad Usmani was introduced by Second Vice President Mohammad Sarwar Danesh to ministry staff. They started working at a time when several portfolios are still run by acting ministers.
Minister of Rural Rehabilitation
Naseer Ahmad Durrani was introduced by Deputy CEO Haji Mohammad Mohaqiq to ministry workers. Mohaqiq said despite significant development in recent years, people of rural areas still faced problems. He said Durrani is a qualified and experienced man who would strive for the development of rural areas.
Durrani vowed: “I will implement all promises made during the oath-taking ceremony.” He would bring drastic reforms to the ministry and work for the improvement of rural areas through the development of the handicraft industry. He said MRRD contracts would be awarded to the companies that enjoy good reputation and had the capability of completing the project.
Minister of Refugees
Syed Hussain Alemi Balkhi was introduced to ministry staff by Deputy CEO Eng. Mohammad Khan, who underlined the need for addressing refugees’ problems in foreign countries.
Balkhi said his first priority would be paving the way for the repatriation of refugees from foreign countries. The repatriation of refugees is not simple, he noted. Seeking cooperation from the international community is my working priority, he said.
Minister of Mines and Petroleum
Daud Shah Saba was introduced to ministry employees by President’s Special Envoy for Reforms and Good Governance Ahmad Zia Masood. He said natural wealth is the main source of economic prosperity.
He hoped the minister would develop the mining sector to make it a source of income for the country. Saba said he would strive hard to attract foreign investment for exploitation and development of the vital sector. “The creation of an advisory council on petroleum and mineral products would be my first step,” he said.
