Future Afghan set-up: Brahimi endorses Pak. view

By B. Muralidhar Reddy

ISLAMABAD, NOV. 2. The United Nations Special Envoy on Afghanistan, Mr. Lakhdar Brahimi, has given an impression that he endorses the view of the military government in Pakistan that Taliban elements in some form or the other would have to find a place in the future set-up in Afghanistan if the political alternative to Taliban has to survive.

Mr. Brahimi, who is on a tour of the region for a first hand assessment of the situation in Afghanistan and views of various groups connected with the future set-up in Kabul, left for Teheran this morning after spending four days here.

At a news conference, Mr. Brahimi said that the United Nations would continue its efforts for promotion of `political acumen' among the people of Afghanistan to help pave way towards a lasting peace.

In the course of extensive discussions with all those who matter, Mr. Brahimi has left no doubt that finding an alternative viable set-up to Taliban would be an Herculean task that required patience. ``I have come here to Islamabad, just as I will go very soon to Teheran and other capitals around Afghanistan to seek the views of Afghans and their neighbours on the future of Afghanistan. I will have to be back in New York for the start of the debate at the General Assembly, but I will return again to the region as soon as possible.''

Mr. Brahimi said his discussions with various groups and key players in the future of Afghanistan, including the Pakistani authorities, have been informative, constructive and cordial. ``I fully concur with President Musharraf that the unity of Afghanistan and its territorial integrity must be preserved. I also agree that a broad-based, multi-linguistic and fully representative Government must be established, and that the new power structure must be homegrown and truly representative of the Afghans' wishes.''

The comments made by the U.N. Envoy assume significance in the context of the efforts made by the United States and its allies to give a boost to the Northern Alliance to march towards Kabul by intense bombing of the so-called frontlines of the Taliban in the last few days.

He said the future Government would also have to maintain friendly relations with all its neighbors and not allow its territory to be used for any kind of hostile acts abroad. The U.N. has a clear commitment from the international community that it should play a central role, and has faith that all those concerned will support these endeavour to assist the people of Afghanistan.

``I see various threads and initiatives emerging from the current situation, and there should be a way to bring them together.''

Praising the U.N. agencies for their work inside Afghanistan and in looking after the Afghan refugees, Mr. Brahimi said the U.N. is facing unprecedented challenges in the delivery of humanitarian assistance. ``Our staff cannot function in anything like what is necessary. We need better guarantees from all those in authority on the ground that our workers can proceed safely with their duties.''

In Afghanistan, men, and even more so women, are living under excruciatingly difficult conditions. They are threatened with starvation, lack of medication, lack of water and sanitation and lack of community support. Mines contaminate large tracts of land, and in recent days more unexploded ordnance has further complicated the crucial task of mine clearance. Their human rights and basic dignity are unrecognised and they are prevented from seeking refuge abroad, he said.

The greatest concern of the U.N. remains the shortage of food and other relief supplies in Northern and Western provinces such as Faryab, Sar-e-Pul, Ghor and Badhis. Deliveries to these areas have been very seriously disrupted since September 11. At that time it was estimated that 400,000 people in villages had only enough food for three months.

There were also about 500,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) scattered throughout the Northern region, who are largely dependent for their survival on food aid together with shelter, clean water, blankets and warm clothes, health facilities as well as cooking fuel provided by the assistance community, he said.

He said 900,000 people would be in a very precarious position from now onwards. Unless they can receive a minimum ration of 50 kg of wheat flour per family per month and other life saving assistance they will be at extreme risk of hunger, malnutrition, life-threatening illness in their weakened condition, and ultimately starvation, he warned.

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