Afghanistan Times
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AT News Report-KABUL: The Central Bank denounces the European Union for including Afghanistan in its blacklist over not doing enough to fight against money laundering activities as baseless.
The European Union has recently added Afghanistan in the blacklist that along with 22 other countries is considered as threat for money laundering and financial support of criminal and terrorist groups.
Aimal Ashoor, Spokesman of the Central Bank, said Saturday that Afghanistan had worked hard in struggle against money laundering and was recently praised by the International Monetary Fund.
“Afghan Central Bank strongly rejects inclusion of Afghanistan in the European Union’s blacklist and calls it baseless and incorrect,” Ashoor said.
He added that other international financial bodies removed Afghanistan from their gray lists, adding it in their white lists to praise it for working hard in fight with the money laundering and support of terrorism. Ashoor called implementation of law in fight against corruption, new procedures and struggle with smugglers as the government’s activities.
Saudi Arabia, Panama, Nigeria, Iran, Iraq and Pakistan are other states accused by the European Union of money laundering and support of terrorism.
The European Union is reported to have officially sent a warning letter to the ministry of foreign affairs on January 30.
The chamber of commerce and industries expresses concerns over the measure, saying it would negatively affect business and investment in Afghanistan.
“This is very difficult for us and our business. Including Afghanistan in the European Union’s blacklist adds another problem as we have already had several problems like war, insecurity and capitals escape,” said Khan Jan Alokozai, deputy head of the chamber.
He asked the government to talk to the European Union and convince them about its work against money laundering.
