Azerbaijan, Baku, May 19 / Trend , D.Khatinoglu /
An independent presidential candidate of Afghanistan, Deputy Chairman of the National Congress Party Bashir Bizhan speaks with Trend Persian Desk in an exclusive interview
Question: What is the main problem in Afghanistan currently? What issue in your platform is a priority?
Answer: In my opinion, the main issue is the poverty. The people become poorer every day, and all disasters in the country are linked with this problem. The people requires necessary measures to eliminate poverty in the future. In my platform, I give priority to solving the problem.
Q: Up to now, the Asian Development Bank, World Bank, European countries and the United States have provided billions of dollars as financial assistance to Afghanistan. Currently, official and non-governmental organizations function. So, why is not progress recorded in eliminating poverty?
A: Firstly, I do not believe that the strategic goal of the external forces is aimed at developing Afghanistan. The policy in the country is "super-strong", especially the United States aims to increase the instability and poverty in Afghanistan. And there is a result - there is no stability in the country. The foreign economic companies also failed to fulfill their obligations. If we look at the amount of funds flowing into 30 million Afghanistan, we can see that it would be possible to take great steps in the development of the country, but in fact nothing was done. The funds provided by the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank to the country go to their representatives in Afghanistan and corruptionists in the government. The people could not take advantage of this assistance.
Q: What policy do you plan to pursue with regards to Taliban, which is accused of creating instability in the country?
A: Firstly it needs to learn the causes for the rebellion of the Taliban. They and most of other rebels are dissatisfied with the government, they are tired of rudeness of external forces, and therefore, they are fighting. The only way is to call upon the members of the Taliban, who are prepared for peace, to cooperate with the government. They should have their representatives in the Parliament, serve as mayors, heads of departments and even should have their representatives at the ministerial posts. Furthermore, it needs to hold a dialogue with them on several issues. In particular, it is necessary to review activities of NATO forces and external forces in the country. The Taliban have such representatives, who are linked with al-Qaeda - it needs to combat and destroy them.
Q: Two months have left to the next presidential elections in the country. How much do You believe that the elections will be held democratically?
A: The previous presidential elections (in 2004) were completely held in a non-transparent manner. Numerous falsifications were also recorded in the last parliamentary elections, but many international observers turned closed eyes on this. I hope that the elections will take place completely democratically. Firstly, the current forces in power are using all the possibilities and means, actively realizing the election campaign of President Karzai, the other candidates do not have such opportunities. On the other hand, deficiencies in the law create problems. For example, as my first deputy, I submitted to the Election Commission woman Buddhist, but her authorities were not approved. The law contains more than 15 articles relating to the ethnic minorities. But the article 62 of the Constitution stipulates that the Minister, the President and other senior officials must be Muslims, but this is contrary to the international human rights principles. International observers and human rights organizations must carry out their mission in the next presidential elections very seriously and impartially, otherwise there is no hope that the elections will be free.
External forces are interested in instability in Afghanistan: presidential candidate (INTERVIEW)
