Rebuilding Afghanistan

Q. What challenges does Afghanistan face today, more than two years after the fall of the Taliban?

A. The challenges are not smaller today than they were two years ago, but they are different. Two years ago, we had just started dealing with the situation, which was a consequence of 25 years of war and destruction.

It was even difficult to prioritize. Since then, in elements of the process, like political and economic reconstruction, security and stability, there have been clear improvements.

If I may talk about the political part first, I would point out that several months ago we ratified the constitution, and we are now making preparations for a general election. At that time, it was a hard objective, but we have moved on.

In terms of the reconstruction of Afghanistan, lots of work has been done but lots more still needs to be done. In terms of security and stability, there are still security problems. I consider the issue of narcotics one of the security challenges that we are facing.

Today, the story of Afghanistan is a story of achievements and of the great challenges that lie ahead.

Q. Have the donor countries given all the aid promised? Is it enough?

A. Aid, which was promised, which was placed in Tokyo, yes. Some members of the international community have surpassed their promises, which is good. In terms of whether it was enough or not, I should say that the needs are enormous.

The scale of the problems and the scale of the challenges that we are faced with is bigger than anything that one could imagine. That is still a big challenge for everyone.

Nevertheless, the Berlin conference a few months ago in itself was a successful conference. The contribution to Afghanistan was very significant, not just talking in terms of numbers or figures. The fact that it was an all-out commitment from the international community for long-term support for Afghanistan, that in itself is unique.

That is good news. That means that the importance of supporting Afghanistan or that the situation in Afghanistan is being recognized, and the international community has been acting.

Q. The economy is closely linked with political and security issues in Afghanistan. Part of the problem is the huge unemployment that forces the youth to turn to crime. So what kinds of jobs are being created?

A. I think we really rely on the private sector. The government has been trying to prepare the ground, the right environment for the promotion of the private sector. Business is booming in the country.

Trade is better than any time in our history. The people have started building themselves. Construction work is taking place, and there are major schemes throughout the whole country.

There are now lots of opportunities, not only for us, but also for our neighboring countries. Agreeing with you on that point, that when you have tens of thousands more people disarmed, when we have refugees returning, I think this is going to become a big, big challenge, but the focus is on creating the right environment for the private sector to be able to create jobs.

Q. Are you seeing investments from Middle East and other parts of the Arab world?

A. I think that the opportunity is there. From the neighboring countries, as well as the countries in the region, but no, we are not seeing a lot from the Middle East. But the opportunity is there, and I wouldn't say that it is too soon. The legal basis, the legal framework, has been established.

The environment in Afghanistan is very, very investment friendly. All the regulations are mainly to promote investment. Security in most parts of the country has improved. While there are some security problems in some parts, in the rest of the country it is just fine. So these are positive factors.

Q. Is the government generally accepted? Are challenges to the legitimacy of the government now over?

A. I would look at it from another angle. If you are talking about the political situation, yes, the government is universally accepted. If you are talking about our administrative capacity or the tools or the instruments that are required in order to govern, then, no, we have not reached all parts of the country.

It's a ongoing process. It is better than last year, but there is no comparison between now and two years ago.

Q. How long will the American military remain in the country?

A. I believe that the US will stay as long as it is needed, and the need is still there. The country has not yet reached that level of stability to be able to take care of the security problems and the threats from Al-Qaeda and the remnants of the Taliban and their allies.

Also, all security institutions are not in place. We have a few thousand in the national army, the national police force, but this is also part of the process that is going on. Afghanistan is starting more and more to stand on its own two feet.

The day will come when Afghanistan will be able to rely on its own institutions as far as the stability of the country is concerned. n So they won't leave before the elections? p Certainly not. This was not our intention right at the beginning.

Whenever I have been asked about it, two years ago, I would say that at least beyond the general elections. But developments can take place, and it might create an environment that is different from today and then one can think about it.

Q. What about the role of Pakistan? Is it more positive towards Afghanistan than it was two years ago?

A. It has been a period when a lot has happened and progress has been made. For example, two years ago, the issue of targets in trade agreements was pending.

Today, that has been taken care of. The level of trade between Afghanistan and Pakistan is very good. Cooperation in other things is also improving. Diplomatic relations and all that. In that sense, I would say, yes, it has improved a lot.

Q. Is Pakistan doing all it can to controls the border areas where the Taliban elements are said to be hiding?

A. Let me put it this way: we need to continue our cooperation. To say there has been enough cooperation, let us stop, that's not the case. We are hoping that there will be more cooperation.

Q. What about the rumors that the Taliban might be regrouping near the border areas?

A. The military people say that that is the case. Trying to attack small groups, probably terrorist factions - yes, this is still happening. There is also, though, a move towards improving the governance in those regions where the Taliban are active.

As we move to take construction projects into those areas, and also our own security institutions into those areas, their chances [to act] are decreasing. There is no doubt that they will try to create trouble.

Q. Do you think the fact that the Americans are in Iraq has made life more difficult for Afghanistan since anti-American sentiments have spread across the region?

A. If the perception of the United States changes, certainly it will happen. As a whole, I think that cooperation and support form the United States is welcome by all the people in Afghanistan. That's the point. It is important to maintain the spirit of cooperation in order to see maximum effectiveness in the American support.

Q. What about support from Western European countries?

A. It is the same. For example, France is helping the integration of our national army alongside that of the United States. The British are helping us in security as well as in reconstruction.

Germany is helping us in reconstruction as well as in training our national police force. Italy is helping us in the judicial system and reconstruction, Japan in all aspects of reconstruction as well as security. It's a truly global effort.