International community pledges $16 billion in Afghan aid

One day after Secretary of State Hillary Clinton visted Afghan President Hamid Karzai to announce that Afghanistan had been granted major non-NATO ally status, the international community met in Tokyo and pleged $16 Billion in aid. The pledge is for the next four years and is conditional on Kabul implementing measures to combat corruption and bolster democracy.

70 countries and organizations attended the meeting, with then United States pledging about $1 Billion every year, Japan $3 Billion to 2016, Germany will chip in about $535 Million annually. Canada will add another $227 Million to the pot.

Canada's contribution is in additon to $300 Million already pledged between 2011 and 2014 and tops up Canada's pledge through 2017. Canadian troops ceased their combat role one year ago and has approximately 1000 troops deployed in a training role.

As with other nations Canada's pledge is based on conditions. Canada's Parliamentary Secretary for National Defence, Chris Anderson said that Canada and the other countries that attended the Tokyo Conference will keep a close eye on how the money is spend.

"That needs to be done, because the flows are substantial and we know there have been shortcomings, not necessarily relating to Canadian spending, but certainly relating to some of the assistance that has come to Afghanistan," Alexander said.

"But if you read this declaration, it's very clear what areas the international community is requiring the Afghan government to take action on. One is governance. Two is a more serious fight against corruption. Our impression to date is literally that President Karzai and his team have not been serious on this issue, and that has to end."

There will be regular reviews for how the development aid is spent, and Kabul must show it is serious about stamping out its deep-seated problems with corruption. There must also be improved governance and finance management, and a safeguarding of the democratic process, rule of law and human rights, particularly those of women. Source: Montreal Gazette

Afghan President Karzai is on notice that Afghanistan will have to implement measures to receive the billions of dollars. Those measures include a better financial management system to combat excessive corruption that has hampered the ability to govern. The Afghan government will also have to better safeguard democracy, the rule of law and human rights.

President Karzai vowed to fight corruption, however the proof will be in the pudding.

Joint Statement Secretary Clinton, Afghan and Pakistani Foreign Minsters