English | دری | پښتو
President Karzai’s deputy spokesman and his brother, Mr. Mahmud Karzai, have publicly alleged that Dr. Ashraf Ghani, during his term as Minister of Finance, had deposited the proceeds of an Asian Development Bank loan in his personal bank account. As the Asian Development Bank has strict procedures to prevent misuse of their loans, Dr. Ghani requested the Asian Development Bank to investigate the allegation and clarify the issue. The letter in the response, indicating that the “loan proceeds were properly disbursed by ADB to the Government of Afghanistan, in full accordance with ADB’s standard disbursement procedure” are attached.
Ashraf Ghani’s office believes the intentions behind such allegations by Karzai’s administration can only be to mislead the public and overshadow his government’s failures.
“If President Karzai believes in rule of law, we hope that he would use the full power of his office to take legal action against his associates that engage in willful deceit. A presidential contest should be the occasion for a spirited public debate about solving our problems and forging our national unity. The silence of the President will be as telling as his actions.” Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai
Government officials, contrary to the provisions of the election law, have been campaigning for the President. Mr. Daudzai, the chief of staff, has been among the most active proponents of Mr. Karzai’s reelection. We have learned that the Asia Foundation has been providing about $2 million per year for the support of the office of chief of staff from funds supplied by the United States. To show their public commitment to a free and fair election, we call on Asia Foundation to suspend the supply of funds to the office of Mr. Daudzai. We also call on other donors to start an audit of the use of their funds by government officials for the campaign of Mr. Karzai.
The Office of Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai
Note: Please find Ashraf Ghani’s request and clarifications by ADB in its response here. For more information contact our press office
