Monday, December 6th, 2010 VOA News Afghanistan has scrapped plans to ban private security firms in the country by mid-December, saying firms can work until their contracts expire.
Interior Ministry adviser General Abdul Manan Farahi said Monday that the 52 firms which still hold licenses can continue to provide security to diplomatic missions, aid agencies and supply convoys, but under new restrictions.
Farahi said firms will have to move their offices outside of Kabul, wear uniforms and will not be allowed to stop cars or create road blocks.
Seven companies that protect NATO convoys will now be required to work alongside Afghan police officers.
Farahi also announced the formation of a new and independent public security force that will start securing international development projects as the private security firms' contracts expire over the next several years.
Afghan President Hamid Karzai ordered private security firms in August to end operations within four months. In October, he extended the deadline under pressure from the West.
Fifty-four firms have since been disbanded, but more than 26,500 people, including 3,400 foreigners, work for the remaining 52 private security firms operating in Afghanistan.
Private security firms have been a source of controversy since the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan in 2001. Some private security teams have been accused of killing civilians without facing punishment.
Mr. Karzai has said the firms undermine the country's army and police.
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