Afghanistan Times
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AT Monitoring Desk-KABUL: The controversial private security tycoon, Erik Prince—founder of Black Water firm, has emphasized on getting security responsibility of mineral mines in Afghanistan, it has been reported.
According to sources, Erik Prince in his presentation to the foreign ministry of the United States, has stressed the security of mineral mines in Afghanistan to be given as contract to the Black Water and the firm has open its office in Kabul as well.
Erik Prince representatives have conducted meetings with the Afghan officials on the issue, but the Ministry of Petroleum and Mines denied any connection between the Afghan government and the office bearers of Black Water.
The US President Donald Trump administration has taken deep interest in US investment in the natural resources of Afghanistan.
Prior to this, Erik Prince had earlier asked the President Trump administration to hire the Black Water and privatize the war in Afghanistan using the squad of security contactors to take over the war from the US military. However, this idea did not get popularity among the Afghans and foreign security experts.
Citing sources, the Kabul News said the Black Water has inaugurated its office in Kabul and two Afghans experts in security affairs have been hired as advisers to the firm.
Similarly, Sayed Ekram Afzali, head of the Integrity Watch has also confirmed the Black Water initial contacts with the Afghan government and its newly established office in capital Kabul.
Commenting on the issue, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Petroleum and Mines, Sayed Abdul Qadeer denied contacts between the Afghan government and the private security firm. However, he said the US has been taking deep interests in investment in the country’s natural wealth.
