Azerbaijan, Baku, 10 November /corr. Trend D.Ibrahimova / Interview with UN Ambassador to Afghanistan, Kai Eide.
Question: What is Your estimation of the current situation in Afghanistan?
Answer: Let me take the opportunity to remind you of what I said to the Security Council on 14 October this year. There is no doubt that the security situation is deteriorating, the figures show that and it is of grave concern. But at the same time the United Nations in Afghanistan was able to mobilize its agencies and partners and millions of ordinary Afghans to respect the International Day of Peace on 21 September. Hostilities were almost brought to a halt and more than 1.8 million children were vaccinated against polio. So even when the situation is difficult, peaceful activities can take place. That gives me hope for Afghanistan. It is important, as I told the Security Council, not to concentrate only on gloom and doom, not to be pessimistic all the time. The wish and the demand of the Afghan people is for peace and that is what we must constantly address. The many promising trends, for example in media, in IT, in health, in education, in agriculture - these need our continuing support.
Question: Why did the international community unanimously back the Afghan Government's proposals to Taliban on conduct of negotiations? Does not it show failure of fighting against Taliban?
Answer: The Government of Afghanistan has always had a policy of talking to people who are willing to respect the constitution and enter into the reconciliation process that exists here. The Government is democratically elected, there's an active parliament and clear constitution. Since the collapse of the Taliban regime at the end of 2001 there have been many opportunities for all sides in Afghanistan to play their role in the country's development. You also need to remember that Afghanistan is not just faced with a Taliban problem. Al Qaeda, foreign fighters, criminal networks linked to the drug trade, illegally armed groups and others all threaten to undermine the peace process in the country. The Government of Afghanistan has to address all of them. The United Nations in Afghanistan also has offices in Pakistan and Iran to encourage regional partners to help where they can. We have a mandate that includes supporting reconciliation. But reconciliation can not be achieved without an international military and civilian presence. And it must, as I have said, be based on respect for the Constitution, and build on the achievements we have made.
Question: What is the best solution to current instability in Afghanistan? What do you think of Peace Jeraga that ended on 28 October? Could it help to ensure peace and security in Afghanistan?
Answer: Any solution for Afghanistan has to be one that works first and foremost for the Afghan people. This is important. Reducing regional tensions will be essential too. The improved relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan is a real sign of hope for the future. President Karzai attended President Zardari's inauguration as well. So at the United Nations we are determined to see that Afghanistan and Pakistan keep talking at all levels and we are willing to help that whenever we can. The international community is here to assist.
Question: What role could Turkey and Saudi Arabia play in the mediation between the Afghan Government and Taliban?
Answer: The Government of Afghanistan can call on any country to assist as it deems necessary. Turkey and Saudi Arabia are members of the United Nations and their good offices will be just as welcome as other regional and neighbouring countries. We must all realise that the situation in Afghanistan is of vital importance and needs constant work by everyone, and not least by countries in the wider region and world.
Question: What is Your estimation of the ongoing registration of electors for the upcoming presidential elections in Afghanistan in 2009?
Answer: The voter registration is proceeding well and is led by the Afghanistan Independent Election Commission. Since the beginning of October more than 900,000 people have registered in 14 provinces of which 38% are women. It is too early to say how many of these are newly registered, or people who have lost their previous registration cards. It is important to stress that everything is being done to ensure that fair and credible elections will take place. They are important for consolidating Afghanistan's democratic institutions. People want peace, people want jobs, they want development. Much has happened in the past few years. Much important work lies ahead.
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