Herat TV: ECO relations to pave way to EU-style economic alliance, FM Spanta hopes

Herat state-own television broadcast a recorded interview with Afghan Foreign Minister Rangin Dadfar-Spanta in his birthplace, the district of Karokh, in Herat Province on 30 October. The minister was in the western province to visit the joint Afghan-Iranian trade exhibition.

The minister thanked the people of Herat for their hospitality and concerted efforts during the ECO conference on 17-20 October.

Asked what the impact of the ECO conference on the country’s economy might be, the minister said the main aim was to prove that Afghanistan can stand on its own two feet and regain its position in the region. “Fortunately, the international community has got this message and, during my recent visit to Britain, foreign observers also mentioned that Afghanistan was now trying to connect other countries with each other. This is the most important thing for us,” he said.

He said the second priority was regional cooperation and that they wanted to show that they considered this as highly important.

“Thirdly,” Dadfar-Spanta said, “we have been thinking about globalization and the way the world is now becoming a small village and that is why no single government, regardless of its strength and national unity, is able to play its role as an effective member of the international community [on its own]. As a result, our objective is to turn the region into a free market and to remove the customs departments of the 10 member states… My wish is that we can remove the obstacles and become like the European Union.”

The minister said many of the programmes discussed at the ECO meeting require time to be put into practice. He said preliminary discussions have been held on the construction of the railway from Iran to Herat and from Turkmenistan to Herat.

Touching on his priorities during his chairmanship of the Economic Cooperation Organization, the minister said he would be trying to establish contacts among the young generations of the member states, so that they can exchange views, experiences and learn from each other.

Joint cooperation to tackle narcotics was an important subject which he touched on at the ECO meeting, the minister said. “You are aware that all the ECO members suffer from this problem and large quantities of narcotics are grown and trafficked in our country with the involvement of the mafia. So we should work on a joint mechanism to fight drugs,” he said.

Another of his aims, the minister said, was to adjust the view the world has of Afghanistan. “People outside the country believe that Afghanistan is a country of the Taleban. That is why we are trying to show the true picture of the country and that the Afghan young generation is a modern, civilized generation with Islamic beliefs and part of the international community.”

The minister urged the young generation to serve the country and to set aside ideological and religious differences.

[Description of Source: Herat Herat Television in Dari -- state-run television. OSC IAP20071031950077 30 Oct 07]

Arman-e Melli: The ECO meeting and Dr Spanta’s continued illegitimate hold on office

Afghan paper slams government for foreign minister standoff, October 21

Independent Afghan daily Arman-e Melli criticizes government for insisting on keeping Foreign Minister Dr Spanta despites parliament’s no confidence vote. The paper also questions Germany’s support for the FM, claiming foreign countries seek their own interest rather than strengthening institutions in Afghanistan. The paper also says that MPs’ participation in parliamentary sessions is in decline as MPs have lost image and moral. The following is the text of an article headlined “The ECO meeting and Dr Spanta’s continued illegitimate hold on office” published on 21 October; subheading inserted editorially:

Political crisis in dependent countries like Afghanistan reflect not only internal challenges, but also diverse regional policies. This problem can be solved only if policy makers display proper political skills and aptitude to balance policies aimed at tackling internal problems with policies of foreign countries vis a vis Afghanistan.

Policy makers and those at the helm of affairs have, unfortunately, been unable to make sure that policies aimed at ensuring national interests are not in conflict with external considerations.

Insistence on keeping [Foreign Minister Dadfar Rangin] Spanta in the cabinet despite the fact that the majority MPs is against his continuation in office is an example of a lack of political aptitude in the government.

This problem has been compounded by reports that Afghanistan will be the ECO’s [Economic Cooperation Organization] chair over the next year. The announcement came during the ECO [foreign ministers] meeting in Herat.

The situation got even worse when the Foreign Ministry’s spokesman said that Dr Spanta would be the ECO’s president for the next one year. He did not mention that Afghanistan would be the ECO’s chair.

This comes at a time when Afghanistan’s Wolasi Jerga [lower house of parliament] has given vote of no confidence to Dr Spanta, thereby rendering his role as foreign minister illegitimate. Countries in the region are also aware of this standoff between the government and the parliament.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs must speak on behalf of Afghanistan, not on behalf of Dr Spanta who may not remain in office next year. The lower house has repeatedly questioned the legitimacy of his role in office.

Parliament undermined

The standoff between the parliament and the government over the removal of Dr Spanta or his continuation in office explains the snobbery of a small group in power, insisting on continuation of a minister who has been striped of his authority. This status quo also casts serious doubts on the will and capacities of elected public representatives in the parliament.

Although, the confrontation between the parliament and the government over a minister (who has hardly had any achievements) [bracket as published] seems to be phoney, it has harmed the prestige of the parliament as an institution monitoring the government’s activities as well as the credibility of the government, thereby destabilizing the state as a whole. Standoffs between a government and a parliament are common issue in any country, but it has never led to demeaning of a government in public opinion, and a gradual dissolution of a parliament (without the government directly dissolving it).

Why Mr Karzai uses Dr Spanta as a shield?

Mr [Hamed] Karzai knew that if the Wolasi Jerga succeeded in removing the minister of foreign affairs, sooner or later it would have been another minister’s turn. This would have made a crack in the government ranks and would have curtailed the government’s power to appoint or remove ministers, even if not leading to complete capitulation of the president’s team. Consequently, the government team in the presidential palace would have left the scene for new political movements. Hence, it was deemed necessary to violate the law to ensure the hold of one team on power.

The government is aware of its own actions. The people also know that, contrary to its slogans of meritocracy, the government brought people into power on compromise as it deemed necessary. People know the figures that have been brought into the government in this manner. There is no need to mention their names, because it is enough to say that if political games are played at the cost of people’s expectations, it will sooner or later spark a social tragedy. It must be borne in mind that political games are also bound by certain principles which if violated will backfire.

Untouchable ministers

It appears from MPs’ comments that after Dr Spanta the house intended to take on other ministers, such as Zarar Ahmad Moqbel [minister of internal affairs], who have no effectiveness.

However, the government’s stiff resistance made this task unattainable. The government, thus, totally denied the parliament its role as a monitor and reformer. The government which has never showed such determination on even a single national issue seems to be determined to stand on Dr Spanta at any cost. Why the government did not take the same stance on former Minister of Refugee Affairs Akbar Akbar?

Germany wrong to support FM Spanta

What does it mean when Germany insist on Dr Spanta remaining in office [Dr Spanta is a German citizen]? If Dr Spanta works for Germany or other foreign circles, why on the earth should this issue cause a political crisis in the country at a time when it needs stability and national trust more than any other time in the past.

To what extent have those at the helm of affairs gone in their commitment to be dictated by others? Is the opinion of a European country with some troops in Afghanistan to secure its own interests more important than the opinions of people and the Wolasi Jerga? Is the German government ready to take the responsibility of an emerging crisis and a lack of trust between the two trembling bodies of the state of Afghanistan? Is it, then, appropriate to call it the government of people of Afghanistan?

At least learn some lessons from Nuri al-Maliki, Iraq’s prime minister, who does not compromise at the dignity and pride of his nation despite the presence of 150,000 foreign troops in that country. He even dares to oppose President Bush on sensitive issues. Recently, the Iraqi government suspended operations of two known American security companies. The major problem of this [Afghan] government] is that it violates its own laws, let alone countries like Germany who (as stated by themselves) “play tricks” in Afghanistan.

If every European state begins dictating the weak government of Afghanistan, what can one expect from such a government?

Wolasi Jerga’s silence: The Wolasi Jerga first voted for Dr Spanta with optimism by overlooking his credentials, an action that raises questions in the people’s minds. Interestingly, replying to some members of parliament who said they had voted for him to make him minister of foreign affairs, he said: Why did you vote fore me? You should not have voted for me.

Every MP knew that Dr Spanta lacked social influence and national trust within the Afghan society, and that he did not have experience in the field of diplomacy, but their mysterious approach brought into office a person who became a bone of contention between the parliament and the government. He is now taking advantage of this situation to ensure his stay in office.

If the hand of a foreign country and the prospect of links and connections are not involved in this issue, how can a person who naively admitted in an interview with the Iranian, Radio Voice of Iran, that “I have no knowledge of diplomatic games and tricks” continue grabbing the ministry with his both hands?

Parliament has become irrelevant

Should meeting with a few foreigners and addressing small gatherings of Afghans abroad while being totally oblivious of the pains and suffering of Afghan society make a person eligible to be a lifetime minister?

Why the Wolasi Jerga agrees when one ministry is removed from his post while another continues to stay in office illegally? Silence after a series of warnings by Mohammad Yunos Qanuni, Speaker of the Wolasi Jerga, to shut down parliament is also a mystery. Past experiences show that there are personal dealings behind such mysteries. If Wolasi Jerga is not able to defend its decisions, and the government has intentionally limited its role, why is it engaging itself in unimportant petty daily issues? The house should know that there is hardly a difference between dissolving of a parliament or sidelining it and curtailing its role by the government.

Experts of political affairs in Afghanistan say that it was apparent from the very beginning that if the Wolasi Jerga failed to stand on its own feet, the government would try to ensure its clout over it, thus making it a tool in the government’s hands. Apparently, the house has not come under total influence of the government, but the government’s indifference towards its decisions and its legal status has brought the house activities to a standstill. This situation and the pessimism of many members of the Wolasi Jerga have almost brought the jerga to a close. The only different between this state and dissolution of the house is that in case of dissolution, members of parliament do not come in for criticize, and have no legal responsibility as they can say that they did what they could, but it was the government which violated the law and dissolved the parliament. But in the present situation, members of the Wolasi Jerga are serving. Therefore, the public opinion judges them and takes them to task. Question to be asked is that why Wolasi Jerga has chosen to remain silence against the government, particularly in Dr Spanta’ case?

According to reports, the government’s indifference towards the Wolasi Jerga decisions, particularly in Dr Spanta’s case, has left many members of parliament uncertain about the continuation of the parliament’s work. Their participation in parliament sessions has decreased significantly.

On other hand, there has been no collective motion within the parliament to correct the situation. Question to be asked is that if head of the state is only the president of Dr Spanta and some foreign countries, or is he an elected president of all people of Afghanistan? If the former is true, this must be publicly announced, but if he is the president of all people [of Afghanistan], he must respect the law, the same which granted people the right to elect him.

Law obliges the president to respect Wolasi Jerga decisions. It is wished that the government had also shown the same persistence and resoluteness in dealing with other important issues, such as prosecuting individuals involved in bribery, economic bands, and mafia groups, which have induced corruption in the government, causing people to turn to the Taleban.

How good if foreign countries had pressured the government on these issues so to prevent looming social crisis in Afghanistan. The government’s use of power tools, and the foreign circles’ use of the weak Afghan government to achieve their own objectives will only compound the trend of increasing lack of confidence among people [vis a vis the government] and will result in increased social threats.

[Description of Source: Kabul Arman-e Melli (National Aspiration) in Dari -- Four-page independent daily with broad coverage of domestic political issues, including interviews with political figures. Also carries international, science health issues, and readers' letters, some of which are critical of the government. OSC IAP20071025950037 Kabul Arman-e Melli (National Aspiration) in Dari 0000 GMT 21 Oct 07)

Herat TV: Foreign Minister says no proof Iran sends arms to insurgents

October 21, 2007

Afghan Foreign Minister Dr Rangin Dadfar-Spanta has said there is no proof Iran is sending arms to insurgents in Afghanistan. Speaking at a joint news conference with Iranian Foreign Minister Dr Manuchehr Mottaki and Tajik Deputy Foreign Minister Dr Abdollah after they attended an Economic Cooperation Organization meeting in Herat, he also said Afghanistan did not want to be drawn into any disputes between Iran and the USA because it wanted good relations with both. The following is an excerpt from a recording of the news conference, broadcast by provincial state-owned Afghan Herat TV on 21 October; subheadings inserted editorially:

Current discussions in Herat

[Spanta] [Passage omitted: Current meeting continues work of earlier talks in Tajikistan.]

This afternoon, a partnership agreement will be signed among these three countries and we, the foreign ministers, have agreed to hold another meeting within three months, at which the representatives of the relevant ministries, including the ministries of foreign affairs, transport and energy, will take part in designing the outline of joint cooperation among the three countries. We are now talking about this framework in general. In addition, the experts should draw a mechanism through which our countries coordinate their activities and learn from the experience of each other in their campaign against poppy growing and drug production and trafficking.

[Passage omitted: Spanta welcomes guests]

[Mottaki] In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful. Good morning dear journalists. I thank the honourable Dr Spanta for his hospitality. We had a tripartite meeting among Iran, Afghanistan and Tajikistan. Esteemed Dr Abdollah, the first deputy foreign minister of Tajikistan took part in this meeting. Our objective has been to continue the discussions previously held between the three presidents in Tajikistan last year. As the honourable Dr Spanta mentioned earlier, and in view of the many shared values and interests among the three countries and at the same time the shared concerns, we emphasized cooperation between the three countries as one of the priorities of our countries. We will also hold meetings on transit and energy and will exchange experiences on our counter-narcotics efforts. In addition, in view of the shared religious and cultural beliefs, we would like to expand these relations. To that end, we are to hold discussions with the relevant departments, experts, professors, the ministry of education and cultural foundations. As a matter of fact, we have been responsible for continuing these discussions in line with our presidents’ order. We think the practical programme we have already set up will draw a brighter future for better collaboration among the three countries.

[Dr Abdollah] [Passage omitted: Thanks to Spanta for hosting Herat meeting]

Iran’s stance on West’s contacts with “extremists”

[Stanezay, Radio Liberty reporter western Afghanistan] My first question is for the Iranian foreign minister. You said yesterday that there are a number of extremist groups in contact with some European countries. Please clarify your comments. My second question is for the Afghan foreign minister. The Islamic Republic of Iran is concerned that a number of Western countries are cooperating with fanatical groups. Will this have an adverse impact on your relations with Iran?

[Manuchehr Mottaki] Yes, as I said yesterday a number of fanatical groups have established contacts with a number of European countries and this has worried us. We hope that such contacts will be stopped and I think the relevant departments will reveal more information on this subject. In short, I can say that such contacts have been established.

Afghanistan’s wish for goods ties with Iran, USA

[Dr Spanta in Pashto] It goes without saying that there are disagreements over Iran’s nuclear proliferation programme between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the West [the USA]. However, both sides share one idea, that is to continue helping Afghanistan reinforce stability and peace. Our efforts are to maintain these ties with both countries. This is our policy and we are working on it. [Spanta translates the correspondent's question and his own comments into Dari, stressing that disagreement between Iran and the USA should not affect Afghanistan's friendship with either country]

Cooperation n Persian TV channel, road links

[Iranian correspondent] My first question is about the agreement among the three presidents on establishment of a Persian TV. My second question is about route linking Iran to Central Asia via Afghanistan.

[Dr Abdollah] As regards the television, we have started work. The project naturally requires trained staff and we are now offering such training. In response to your second question, there are certain capacities and I believe they will be used for the project linking Iran to Central Asia via the Afghan soil.

[Dr Spanta] I want to add something. Since cooperation between the countries is a priority for our presidents, I should add that the construction of the ring road in Afghanistan will be completed next year. As a result, it will be possible to link the Republic of Tajikistan to the Islamic Republic of Iran via Afghanistan in the near future. By order of the president, I reiterate that we will do our best to provide all possible facilities to improve trade with Tajikistan and open its doors to the Persian Gulf.

Iranian threat against US bases in Afghanistan

[Correspondent, Sada-ye Jawan Radio - Herat] My question is for the honourable Dr Mottaki. Iranian officials have said they will target US military bases in Afghanistan if the USA invades Iran. Do you stand by this view?

[Mottaki] Well, we think America does not have the ability to levy more taxes on Americans and wage another war and conflict in the region. We do believe it is for the good of America to correct its policy and resolve the current crises in the region. Even if there is a remote possibility of war, our policy is crystal clear. We have told the Americans what we would do in that case and they are aware of the consequences.

Allegations about Iranian-made arms in Afghanistan

[Correspondent Ariana TV] Mr McNeill [NATO commander in Afghanistan] has said Iranian-made weapons and ammunition have allegedly brought into western Afghanistan. Iranian officials have rejected the claim. I want to ask Mr Spanta if the foreign military forces do not coordinate their activities with the Afghan forces or if these comments are aimed at dragging Iran into the case? You have already said there is no proof.

[Spanta] As the foreign minister of Afghanistan, I want to say that we, the Afghan Foreign Ministry, have no evidence suggesting that the Iranian government is trying to destabilize the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. You have heard this from the president, too. We do not have any proof that the Iranian government is giving weapons to the insurgents or training them. You and my brother Mottaki clearly know that I have a reputation for blunt speaking, which has even caused me harm. If there was any evidence suggestive of this, I would speak directly to Mr Mottaki.

Need for regional trade cooperation

Other countries have established common markets among themselves. Why then should we, Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan and Central Asian countries, create problems for each other? I believe we would do better to cooperate with each other with good will and friendship to establish a unified market in Asia and Central Asia. It is crystal clear that Afghanistan, Iran and Tajikistan will be the core and heart of this unity; otherwise we will fail to carry out our responsibility before the future generations. On the other hand, I should add that we will bluntly and frankly speak to our friends if our national interests are in danger. Right now we have no proof to blame them. So there is no reason to create tension with our friends. We yet again thank the Islamic Republic of Iran for its contributions. Two or three days ago, the Iranian ambassador to the UN, voiced support for the [Afghan] elected, legitimate government established in line with democratic principles. This is the official stance at the moment. Mr Mottaki emphasized this yesterday and what they what say is acceptable. Thank you.

[Description of Source: Herat Herat Television in Dari -- state-run television. OSC IAP20071021950074 Herat Herat Television in Dari 0640 GMT 21 Oct 07]

AFP: No evidence Iran arming Taliban: Afghan foreign minister

October 19, 2007

HERAT, Afghanistan (AFP) — Afghan Foreign Minister Rangeen Dadfar Spanta said Friday there was no evidence that Iran was supplying weapons to Taliban militants waging a violent insurgency.

Spanta’s comments came after the top US commander in Afghanistan, General Dan McNeill, said Thursday a convoy of explosives intercepted last month had arrived from Iran and probably with the knowledge of the Iranian military.

“Our government has no evidence to show Iran is giving weapons to the Taliban and we have never stated this,” Spanta told reporters after meeting with his Iranian counterpart Manouchehr Mottaki in the western city of Herat.

US and British officials have alleged for months that weapons from Iran are going to the Taliban rebels fighting Kabul and its international allies, the main one being Washington with which Tehran has a strained relationship.

Iran has denied the allegations and Afghanistan has also said it has no proof.

Asked about McNeill’s statement, Mottaki said: “These are claims that they make. For us the motives behind these claims are clear.”

He did not elaborate but suggested there were contacts, which he did not make clear, between “terrorist groups in Afghanistan” and “political circles and European capitals.”

Iran was fully behind the reconstruction of post-Taliban Afghanistan, both ministers said.

McNeill, the head of the 40,000-strong NATO-led International Security Assistance Force, was referring Thursday to a convoy from Iran which was stopped on September 5 in western Afghanistan.

It contained “a number of advanced technology improvised explosive devices,” he said.

“It is difficult for me to conceive that this convoy could have originated in Iran and come to Afghanistan without at least the knowledge of the Iran military,” he said.

The Afghan and Iranian ministers met with their Pakistani counterpart Khurshid Kasuri in Herat ahead of a conference Saturday of foreign ministers from 10 regional countries in the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO).

ECO incorporates Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

Herat TV: Afghan foreign minister says relations with Iran expanding

At 1710 gmt on 16 October, Herat’s state-owned television channel broadcast a recorded speech delivered by Afghan Foreign Minister Dr Rangin Dadfar-Spanta at a meeting of provincial administration officials, MPs, religious scholars, intellectuals and local reporters. The meeting was held in Herat Province on Monday evening, 15 October.

To start with, the minister greeted the participants and expresses happiness over the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) meeting which is scheduled to be held in Herat city between 17 to 20 October.

He then moved to talking about the meeting’s importance, stressing that officials have focused on Herat to show the world that there are many important issues worth paying attention to including the geographical position of Herat Province and its historical monuments as well as its people’s vigour and resilience in dealing with hardship and rebuilding their city and standing on their own feet.

He said: “During any international meeting or conference, one of the programmes is to see the historical monuments. So if we take a tour of the city, we can show our guests many parts which were destroyed but the people rebuilt them… We should all be proud of our history and civilization “

Touching on the members of the Economic Cooperation Organization, Dr Dadfar-Spanta stressed that the Afghan government has good, friendly relations with all ECO members, specifically Iran and Pakistan and Turkey.

He said: “We have extraordinary relations with the Republic of Turkey, which is above the normal relations between the two governments, for there are personally good relations between the two presidents and between me and the Turkish president and many Turkish top officials We would like to expand these relations and Turkey has already invested in Afghanistan ”

Among other things, the minister concentrated on the allegedly controversial ties with Iran. He said: “The Islamic Republic of Iran shares a common religion, language and civilization with us. It has been fully active in the reconstruction of Afghanistan We are expanding our relations contrary to the rumours. There can be some misunderstandings, but this should not affect our friendship and we should remove them for the sake of our young and future generations…”

Talking about the current relations with Pakistan, the minister said: “Fortunately, there have been some slight changes in favour of us in our relations with the Islamic Republic of Pakistan We emphasize that terrorism must not be used as a tool in a country’s foreign strategy since it may eventually affect that country. We have always advised our Pakistani friends about this and our hope is that the Pakistani officials will understand the good will of our government and people “

The foreign minister then thanked the government for providing 500,000 US dollars for the ECO meeting, the German and Italian governments for their cooperation and donation and the central and provincial government officials for their concerted, strenuous efforts for the meeting.

He closed his speech by thanking the officials and the Herati people yet again and expressing hope the meeting will be held effectively.

[Description of Source: Herat Herat Television in Dari -- state-run television. OSC IAP20071016950131 1710 GMT 16 Oct 07]

Radio Sahar: Afghan officials highlight importance of ECO meeting in Herat

October 16, 2007

[Presenter] On the sidelines of the forthcoming ECO session, a meeting was held in Herat city yesterday evening. At this meeting, a number of officials delivered speeches to underline the importance of the session. It is said that the members of the Economic Cooperation Organization or ECO are arriving in the province.

[Correspondent] Afghan Foreign Minister Dr Rangin Dadfar-Spanta was one of the officials that delivered a speech at this meeting. He described Afghanistan’s membership of ECO as important and strategic. According to the minister, the ECO session in Herat city is a point connecting the city to its glorious ancient history.

[Dr Dadfar-Spanta] Our membership of ECO has a strategic importance for us. As one of the major centres of the eastern, Islamic civilization, Herat has been on the route connecting China and India to Old Persia and Central Asia. We have been trying to show that Herat, as a historical symbol, is still able to connect these regions.

[Correspondent] Meanwhile, tough security measures have been taken since yesterday. Herat Governor Sayed Hosayn Anwari states that strict security measures will be taken during these days as there are concerns over security disruption by the opponents.

[Sayed Hosayn Anwari] It goes without saying that the opponents are attempting to spread terror and fear in order to show the government and the provincial administration are incompetent. They will benefit from any opportunity to meet their own ends. However, we hope the new measures we have taken will foil plots hatched by any opponent groups.

[Correspondent] The officials hope the ECO session will be held appropriately in spite of all these concerns. The economic observers in Herat Province believe that the session will enhance economic activities in this province.

[Description of Source: Herat Radio Sahar in Dari -- local independent radio station in Herat run mainly by women. OSC IAP20071016950103 Herat Radio Sahar in Dari 1230 GMT 16 Oct 07]

Pagah: Analyst Daad Nurani asserts Iran supporting forces in border areas

Herat, October 11, 2007

Afghan observer Daad Nurani believes Iran has been supporting and organizing forces in the border areas of Afghanistan and also can’t rule out it is supplying weapons to the Taleban. He says Iran is pursing a “policy of double standards” towards Afghanistan and has a “long-term strategy” for western Afghanistan where its reconstruction projects are focused. The following is the text of an interview with the observer, published by the independent daily Pagah on 11 October; subheadings inserted editorially:

Iran has “profound influence” over Afghan politicians

[Reporter] We published an interview with [Mr Najafimanesh], the Iranian general consul in Herat, about Iran’s interference in the security of Afghanistan in the previous issue of Pagah. In that interview, Mr Najafimanesh categorically rejected his government was assisting the Afghan government’s opponents, describing the claims as a psychological war against Iran. We therefore conducted an exclusive interview with Mr Daad Nurani [an Afghan political observer]. However, our readers are the ones who should evaluate and judge [the accuracy of the official's comments]. Mr Nurani, what do you think about Iran’s interference in the security affairs of Afghanistan?

[Nurani] Well, Iran shares a 750km-long border with us and we established relations with this country long ago. Sometimes these relations were good and sometimes they were quite strained and even resulted in aggression and invasion; for instance the incident that took place during the era of President Daud Khan [the first Afghan president in office between 1974 -1979] about the controversy over the waters of Helmand [also called Hirmand]. Iran continued its interference further, particularly after the Russians invaded Afghanistan. The intervention even got stronger during the Taleban period, during which time Iran was generously helping the Afghan forces combat the Taleban. This policy nearly led to a war between the Taleban [and the Iranian government]. My guess is that Iran has already invested in certain spheres in Afghanistan and is now enjoying a profound influence over the political parties, the press and other sectors. On the one hand, the waters of Helmand River flow into Iran and on the other hand it is trying to establish transit with Central Asia [via Afghanistan]. In addition, it has decided to connect the Chah Bahar harbour with Afghanistan and also connect its roads to Tashkent via northern Afghanistan. Iran is keen to expand its influence in Afghanistan because of its geopolitical importance.

Following the Taleban’s regrouping in Afghanistan and the start of the war for the second time, Iran has been constantly supporting the Northern Alliance [jihadi parties and leaders united against the Taleban in the northern provinces and led by late commander, Ahmad Shah Masud] and has been pursuing an identical policy with Afghanistan. However, it was reluctant to do so because of its main enemy, the United States, which by now had established its military presence in the country. Iran was unable to ignore this issue. To that end, Iran has been involved in certain military activities in Afghanistan for some time. It is said that it has organized a number of military bases in the Sapidaba and the Bagh areas in the vicinity of the Shamsabad [located near the border areas] and gathered a group called Hezbollah, which were affiliated to the Iranian government during the Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan. However, it is still unclear whether Iran is trying to interfere militarily in Afghanistan or prove its influence through supporting this group. We can see that Iranians have enjoyed enormous privileges from the Americans by interfering in Iraq and the USA has not reacted against Iran for quite some time. I think Iran prefers to meddle in the military activities in Afghanistan due to the fact that the Taleban may have a chance to share power with the Afghan government. In addition, the Iranian government has come to realize that the Northern Alliance, which calls itself the government opposition, has established relations with the West and this has overshadowed its ties with Iran. That is why Iran is now searching for new factions, parties and forces to have an impact on the current situation.

Iran supporting “certain” insurgents

[Reporter] Mr Nurani, there have been several reports indicating that Iran is providing weapons for the Taleban? Do you think these reports are true?

[Nurani] I can’t rule out these reports. Iran is contributing to certain groups on the border with Afghanistan. There are strong rumours according to which Iran is supporting Malawi Abdol Hamid, who is commanding the rebels in the Zer Koh area of Shindand District. Iran also had close relations with a number of Taleban leaders during their rule in western Afghanistan, including Mullah Mohammad Rasul, the former governor of Nimroz Province, who is said to be living in Iran at the moment. Malawi Faqir Ahmad Anardarayee also had close relations with Iranian officials. However, I should mention that Iran supported certain groups in the border areas rather than establishing systematic relations with the Taleban administration. Iranian politicians have always focused on the neighbouring areas. You can see that they set up construction projects, including the extension of power cables and building a number of roads, only in Nimroz, Farah and Herat. They are not interested in extending these projects beyond these provinces. I think Iranians have a long-term strategy in western Afghanistan. That is why they have chiefly concentrated on these areas and organize Hezbollah in the border areas.

Iran pursuing “a policy of double standards”

[Reporter] In an exclusive interview with Pagah, Mr Najafimanesh, the Iranian general consul [in Herat Province], said that the stability of Afghanistan is the stability of Iran. What do you think about this?

[Nurani] My guess is that they only chant slogans; for the foreign military forces will be deployed in the borders with Iran once Afghanistan enjoys stability and the foreign forces manage to control security disruption inside the country. The current situation and the current war between the Taleban and NATO and the US forces is in favour of Iran, as there will be no threat against it. Therefore, I don’t think Iranians support stability in Afghanistan.

[Reporter] But the Iranian general consul in Herat Province claims it is illogical if Iran gets involved in reconstruction projects on the one hand and interferes in the country’s security affairs on the other.

[Nurani] Well, those countries that do not have a strong presence and dominant influence generally follow a policy of double standards. With regard to Iran and in view of its current status, you can see that it is not the dominant power in the region. The US navy in the Persian Gulf is extremely dangerous for Iran. At the moment, the US airport in Turkey, the presence of the US and its allies’ 200,000 troops in Iraq, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Afghanistan may potentially create a challenge against Iran. As a result, it has no alternative but to follow a policy of double standards in Afghanistan and this might be beneficial for it, at least because of its commercial activities in Afghanistan. Currently, Iran’s [annual exports to Afghanistan] are worth 1bn dollars. A number of its factories specifically produce goods for Afghanistan. It has a long border with Afghanistan and shares many common values, including religion, culture etc. There are also certain groups that have close relations with Iran and this country is keen to continue its presence in the region. However, Iran has been trying to attract the Afghan people’s attention to Pakistan and make them believe Pakistan is their strategic enemy. In addition, it invests only in those projects that in one way or another meet its interests and therefore it has not been eager to provide funds for other projects. For instance, you can see that all those projects it has funded have overt and covert benefits to its commerce, namely the roads built in Herat, the bridge constructed in Nimroz, the power cables extended to Herat and Nimroz and the Mil-e 73 road to be constructed in Farah city. So, one cannot rely on Iran’s reconstruction projects.

[Reporter] But Iranian officials always claim all the reconstruction projects they have embarked upon in a number of provinces were proposed by the Afghan government.

[Nurani] I can’t believe this. You can see that a number of top government officials have had close relations with Iran for a long time and Iran is able to influence these officials and pretend it is the Afghan government which has suggested such projects should be carried out by Iran. I should stress that the Iranian government’s interests have been taken into account in these projects. I specifically mentioned earlier that Iran’s construction projects have obvious effects on certain areas. For instance, we cannot see that Iran has set up a reconstruction project in Paktia or Badakhshan. What has been carried out so far is restricted to the border areas.

With regard to our government’s policy towards the issue, we should accept that Iran has influence over Afghan government policies. When summoned and impeached by the parliament, Foreign Minister Dr Spanta articulated that one of the neighbouring countries, specifically Iran, had a strong role in the impeachment because the minister refused to agree with a number of its projects. I should reiterate that Iran will never invest in those projects that do not meet its interests.

[Description of Source: Herat Pagah in Dari --Sometimes critical of the government and foreign forces. OSC IAP20071013950075 0000 GMT 11 Oct 07]

Spanta calls for “gradual, honorable, voluntary” repatriation of Afghan refugees in Iran

Afghanistan wants voluntary repatriation of refugees from Iran

Text of unattributed report, entitled: “Afghanistan is unable to receive huge number of Afghan refugees expelled from Iran” published in independent Afghan newspaper Rah-e Nejat on September 20, 2007

Addressing a news conference in Kabul yesterday, Dr Rangin Dadfar-Spanta, foreign minister of Afghanistan, said Afghan refugees should be repatriated honourably and voluntarily. He said: “Afghanistan is unable to receive huge numbers of Afghan refugees expelled from Iran.”

According to a social reporter of Rah-e Nejat, Spanta continued that Afghanistan wants Afghans be repatriated gradually, honourably and voluntarily from Iran, but not in a compulsory way.

The foreign minister stated that Iran should act based on commitments made to the Afghan refugees living in Iran and it should repatriate them gradually and honourably in cooperation with the Afghan government.

Spanta said that he had stressed in his meetings with the president and foreign minister of Iran that the Afghan refugees should be repatriated honourably and voluntarily and grounds should be prepared for the return of Afghan students graduated from Iranian universities to Afghanistan.

Spanta also added that in these meetings, he had discussed the issue of speeding up the construction of the Khawaf-Herat railway, road building and development and reconstruction projects funded by Iran in Afghanistan.

It is worth noting that the forcible repatriation of Afghan refugees from Iran early this year resulted in disqualification of Foreign Minister Dr Spanta and Refugee Affairs Minister Mohammad Akbar Akbar by parliament and in start of a dispute between parliament and the government.

It is worth mentioning that over 220,000 Afghan refugees have been expelled from Iran so far.

[Description of Source: Kabul Rah-e Nejat in Dari --An eight-page independent daily in hardcopy and internet versions. The Kabul-based paper was launched after the fall of the Taliban by MP Alemi Balkhi. Often publishes editorials and articles on corruption, foreign relations, politics, security, drugs, religion and reconstruction. Generally supportive of the government and the presence of NATO forces in Afghanistan, but can be critical of government policies. Languages: Dari (mainly), Pashto. Circulation: unknown. URL: www.rahenenatdaily.com OSC IAP20070921950060 Kabul Rah-e Nejat in Dari 0000 GMT 20 Sep 07]

Radio Mashad downplays reports that Iran is arming Taliban

Afghan Minister, Police Chief Deny Iran Providing Weapons to Insurgents

Excerpt from September 19, 2007 broadcast.

[Presenter] Afghan government and security officials have denied the Islamic Republic of Iran has provided weapons to insurgents.

[Correspondent] Herat government and security officials deny that the Islamic Republic of Iran has interfered, or provided weapons to the opponents of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. Herat security officials say the weapons that a number of government and foreign officials link to the Islamic Republic of Iran were imported to Afghanistan more than 30 years ago.

In an interview to Radio Dari, Gen Rahmatollah Safi [as heard], the police commander in Zone No 4 of Herat Province, rejected allegations against the Islamic Republic of Iran, saying that a number of opportunists and those who were against friendly and close relations between the two brotherly, neighbouring countries have been placing these ammunitions and weapons in the border areas between the two countries.

[Gen Rahmatollah Safi] We have proof that a number of opportunists have stored these [Iranian-made] mines in their houses for 10 years and placed a number of them in the border areas to damage relations between the Islamic republics of Afghanistan and Iran. Then how should we know whether they have stored these mines in their houses or transferred them from the other side of the border? We have already dealt with such cases. As far as we know, they hid these mines during the three decades of war and are now placing them in these areas in a bid to damage bilateral relations.

[Correspondent] Gen Safi has stressed that relations between the two countries are close and cannot be severed by such subversive acts. On the other hand, Afghan Foreign Minister Dr Rangin Dadfar-Spanta has told Radio Dari in a telephone conversation that the Islamic Republic of Iran was the only country to stand beside the people of Afghanistan during the times of the jihad and resistance and has been providing interest-free assistance to the people of Afghanistan since the establishment of the Afghan Interim Administration.

The foreign minister added that there had been no compelling evidence proving that the Islamic Republic of Iran was interfering in Afghanistan’s internal affairs, particularly in terms of sending weapons to the insurgents.

[Dadfar-Spanta] We have no proof that the [People's] Republic of China or the [Islamic Republic of] Iran are providing weapons to the Afghan government’s opponents.

[Correspondent] While a number of Afghan civil and security officials say some people are trying to damage the friendly relations between the two countries, Mohammad Ali Najafimanesh, the Iranian general-consul in Herat Province, believes the shared religious, historical and cultural ties will never allow these opportunists to carry out their sinister plots.

[Najafimanesh] This is particularly important for the Islamic Republic [of Iran]. There is an ideal level of shared religious, linguistic, cultural and historical relations between the two nations. Unfortunately, those who are against these relations are involved in subversive activities, trying to release untrue reports to damage these ties.

Fortunately, both nations are fully aware of this issue and I think such activities will not affect relations between the two countries and nations.

[Correspondent] This comes as a number of the Afghan government and foreign officials have accused the Islamic Republic of Iran of providing weapons and ammunition to the Taleban, but Iranian officials have categorically rejected these allegations on many occasions.

[Description of Source: Mashhad Voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran External Service in Dari -- Iranian government-run radio. OSC IAP20070920950068 Mashhad Voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran External Service in Dari 1330 GMT 19 Sep 07]