Pajhwok07/09/2012By [Printer Friendly Version] KABUL - Interior Minister Bismillah Mohammadi, accompanied by mines minister, on Tuesday paid a visit to central Logar province to evaluate security arrangements for the Ainak copper mine. During the visit, Mohammadi met with police forces, specially the Afghan Public Protection Force (APPF) authorities responsible for the mine’s security and the Chinese firm, the Ministry of Interior (MoI) said in a statement. Briefed on hurdles to copper extraction, the minister promised security around the site would be maintained at all costs and said the mine was one of the fundamental projects for the country’s economy. “Providing security for this project is one of the top police priorities,” said Mohammadi, who also visited check-posts around the Ainak mine. According to the statement, the minister praised police for being able to maintain security for the project, which he called crucial to the Afghan economy. “The enemies of peace and stability will try to scuttle the government’s efforts for economic growth,” Mohammadi said, asking APPF to do more to secure the site. He also asked the ministry officials accompanying him to meet security challenges in Logar and provide all necessary support and equipment to the APPF. Minister of Mines Wahidullah Shahrani and MCC officials thanked Mohammadi for visiting the project site, calling his trip important for ensuring security.
