UNAMA - Statements by SRSG - 25 November 2003

A series of terrorism by Islam extremists has been reported. What is the situation in Afghanistan?

"Recently a female UN staffhas been assassinated. Since a few months deterioration of the situation is causing concern. In December the Constitution will be promulgated and next summer a presidential election and the election of Assembly are planned. The current situation could have some influence over these events."

Lacking funds the reconstruction could be going into a more difficult stage?

"We use the following allegory when explaining peace and stability in post-conflict countries -it is to have to tie your shoelaces while running. ...It is an impossible job but we must do it. Everything must be done in a hurry , and simultaneously. Rebuilding infrastructure and normalization of public services, security and legal improvement ... people devastated by wars are thirsty for the benefits of peace."

"UN organizations in Afghanistan have adopted the principle of "light footprints". Tasks that could be done by Afghans should be allocated to Afghans. They should be planned with sustainable pace and objectives. If the objectives are too ambitious or if you are too much in hurry to get outcomes, it may cause failures".

What are the priority issues for peace and stability?

"Effective and trustworthy national systems are necessary .It is necessary to recognize with humility that the aid givers (authorities/organizations/donors) may not have enough knowledge of the field, and that reformers grown up in local culture are necessary .The important point is that nationals should fully participate in the decision making which defines their future."

"Bilateral aid is contributing to security and reform of legal system. US has focused on military, Germany on police, UK on drug control, and Japan on disarmament. In Afghanistan various public administration organizations have disappeared due to civil war. The general picture is unclear and lacking stability. A comprehensive assistance strategy is required."

What do you expect from the UNIT AR Afghan project?

"Several years have passed since wars, and still 200 persons per month are killed/injured by landmines. It will take about 10 years to remove mines from children's play space, roads and agricultural lands. Many people who left the country during the war have not returned yet. For the reconstruction of a State trained human resources are needed. People forget destructions in the world. We would like to communicate to the world's children how we experienced destructions and what assistance we received."

25 November 2003

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		Interview of Mr. Lakhdar Brahimi, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Key Speaker at the International Symposium (picture), on the Actual State and Perspectives of Reconstruction in Afghanistan
		A series of terrorism by Islam extremists has been reported. What is the situation in Afghanistan? "Recently a female UN staffhas been assassinated. Since a few months deterioration of the situation is causing concern. In December the Constitution will be promulgated and next summer a presidential election and the election of Assembly are planned. The current situation could have some influence over these events." Lacking funds the reconstruction could be going into a more difficult stage? "We use the following allegory when explaining peace and stability in post-conflict countries -it is to have to tie your shoelaces while running. ...It is an impossible job but we must do it. Everything must be done in a hurry , and simultaneously. Rebuilding infrastructure and normalization of public services, security and legal improvement ... people devastated by wars are thirsty for the benefits of peace." "UN organizations in Afghanistan have adopted the principle of "light footprints". Tasks that could be done by Afghans should be allocated to Afghans. They should be planned with sustainable pace and objectives. If the objectives are too ambitious or if you are too much in hurry to get outcomes, it may cause failures". What are the priority issues for peace and stability? "Effective and trustworthy national systems are necessary .It is necessary to recognize with humility that the aid givers (authorities/organizations/donors) may not have enough knowledge of the field, and that reformers grown up in local culture are necessary .The important point is that nationals should fully participate in the decision making which defines their future." "Bilateral aid is contributing to security and reform of legal system. US has focused on military, Germany on police, UK on drug control, and Japan on disarmament. In Afghanistan various public administration organizations have disappeared due to civil war. The general picture is unclear and lacking stability. A comprehensive assistance strategy is required." What do you expect from the UNIT AR Afghan project? "Several years have passed since wars, and still 200 persons per month are killed/injured by landmines. It will take about 10 years to remove mines from children's play space, roads and agricultural lands. Many people who left the country during the war have not returned yet. For the reconstruction of a State trained human resources are needed. People forget destructions in the world. We would like to communicate to the world's children how we experienced destructions and what assistance we received." 25 November 2003 _______________


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