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Russian Envoy Questions Presence of US Military Bases in Afghanistan

Posted on: Friday, 12 August 2005, 12:00 CDT

Russia's Ambassador to Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov has questioned why the USA needs military bases in Afghanistan given its claims that the Taleban no longer exist. In an interview with the Afghan newspaper Kabul Weekly, he said Russia supported the war on terror and Afghanistan's reconstruction, although he admitted he did not understand why Russia's assistance in rebuilding the Afghan army has not been publicized. He expressed the hope that economic cooperation could be improved as that is crucial to Afghanistan's rehabilitation. The following is text of interview by Afghan newspaper Kabul Weekly on 10 August entitled "Russia wants to know", subheadings inserted editorially:

In an exclusive interview with Zamir Kabulov, the Russian Federation's ambassador to Afghanistan, Kabul Weekly discussed Russia's policy towards Afghanistan, the US military presence in Afghanistan and Central Asia, ongoing regional issues and Pakistan's involvement in these issues.

Russia's attitude to Afghanistan

[Kabul Weekly] Does the Russian Federation see any positive developments in the situation in Afghanistan? How do you assess Russia's role in the current situation in Afghanistan?

[Zamir Kabulov] Every government's foreign policy is based on its national interests. It is in Russia's national interests for Afghanistan to emerge as an independent and developed country. Russia's policy towards Afghanistan suggests that Afghanistan should enjoy the same rights as other members of the international community and the country could play an important role in the region.

If we talk about Russia's role in the current situation in Afghanistan, we need to look back.

Russia offered remarkable assistance to the people of Afghanistan during their resistance to the extremist Taleban regime. Our aim was to help Afghans build a desirable, active and stable country. The concept of the war on terror came to the world's attention after the 11 September incident in America, but we had already started this war when the Taleban came into existence back in 1994.

[Kabul Weekly] Are you talking about the forced landing of a Russian plane at Kandahar airport at that time?

[Zamir Kabulov] Even before that. Our support for the Islamic government of Afghanistan - even though it had its problems - was part of our war against the Taleban. We have always fought extremism in Afghanistan and we are concerned about the continuation of war in the country. We expected all efforts to be channelled towards rebuilding Afghanistan and we are ready to help this process. The war on terror, however, continues in Afghanistan and we believe that foreign troops cannot put an end to the war in the country. It is only the people of Afghanistan who can resolve the problem.

Russian aid to Afghan army

[Kabul Weekly] Is your opinion based on the experience you gained from the former Soviet military presence in Afghanistan?

[Zamir Kabulov] Yes. It is a historical lesson and it is a mistake if we do not learn from history. I told you that Afghans can themselves address this problem, but only when they have a strong army and an efficient police force strong enough to ensure security in the country. That is why our contributions are focused more on the Afghan army.

Russia has donated approximately 100m dollars to Afghanistan since the fall of the Taleban regime. We donated hundreds of military trucks, jeeps, radios, wireless and communications units and heavy artillery spare parts to the newly-established national army of Afghanistan. We have also repaired six military helicopters of the Afghan National Army.

We are very eager to offer economic cooperation because we cannot have a strong army without a strong economy and we cannot have stability without a strong army. But there are some problems in offering economic assistance.

[Kabul Weekly] Can you explain what the problems are?

Problems with economic assistance

[Zamir Kabulov] In the very first days of the establishment of the interim government, we suggested that major and minor projects, previously initiated by the former Soviet Union, should be revived. There were around 140 such projects. We proposed that if these projects were useful, we should carry them out alongside the other big countries of the world. But unfortunately, some members of the Afghan cabinet said the projects were old and that Afghanistan needed modern projects. Of course they have the right to say this, but, for instance, you import cement from Pakistan and other countries while you have many cement factories that could be restored at a minimal cost. Is it not a good idea to revitalize these factories? You could have built modern factories, too.

There are still some technical problems between the two countries, which are being discussed and should be resolved soon.

[Kabul Weekly] Can you give me an example of these problems?

[Zamir Kabulov] When Russian investors wanted to invest in Afghanistan after the fall of the Taleban, some 70 to 80 per cent of them started to complain of mistreatment by government departments. They complained about widespread bribery, bureaucracy, mismanagement and lack of cooperation in Afghan government departments. They claimed that it was difficult for them to invest if Afghan officials did not help them. There were problems on the side of Russian investors too. For instance, they did not fill in their tender forms properly. For various reasons there has not yet been any significant investment in Afghanistan. We therefore decided to establish a corporation of Afghan and Russian investors. This could be a good way of encouraging direct cooperation between investors from the two countries.

[Kabul Weekly] You said Russia has cooperated in the reconstruction of Afghanistan, particularly in the revival of the Afghan National Army. Why do you think the Afghan authorities have not yet mentioned anything about this Russian assistance to the national army?

[Zamir Kabulov] I do not know. It is a puzzle to me too. I think the media and other institutions do not want to mention our contribution. Anyhow, we will continue our efforts and we are sure one day the people of Afghanistan will realize this. We are now economically ready to continue our cooperation with Afghanistan.

Factors behind Afghan instability

[Kabul Weekly] You also said war was ongoing in Afghanistan. As the heir of the former Soviet Union, Russia has greater experience of the situation in the region. What do you think is the reason for the continuation of the war and what is the solution?

[Zamir Kabulov] There are various reasons. Foreign interference is one of the main ones because neighbouring countries prepare the ground for the enemies of Afghanistan to establish their bases in the country.

[Kabul Weekly] Are you talking about the bases of Afghan government rivals in Pakistan?

[Zamir Kabulov] Yes, but I think internal problems and the lack of a strong economy or a powerful government in Afghanistan are the main reasons for the continuation of the war. This is natural given that it has been only three years since Afghanistan emerged from war. Nevertheless, I think the main reason for the continuation of war in Afghanistan is the disunity among Afghans. The problem will continue unless Uzbeks, Pashtuns, Tajiks, Hazaras and Nuristanis regard themselves as Afghans ahead of their tribal or ethnic affiliations.

Multipolar world and US military presence

[Kabul Weekly] If we look at the international angle of the Afghan issue, how would you assess the US military presence in Afghanistan, taking into consideration the rivalry between Russia and America?

[Zamir Kabulov] The rivalry only existed between America and the former Soviet Union in the past. If you recall, not only Russia, but many other countries of the world agreed with the US presence in Afghanistan back in 2001. We are working together to uproot terrorism. We support the military presence of every country as long as they are here to fight terrorism. If it proves to be otherwise, the Russian Federation will have to make a decision.

[Kabul Weekly] If we look at the current situation in the region, it reminds us of the 'Great Game' played by the Russian and British empires [in the 19th century]. Do you think this is a rerun of the same game?

[Zamir Kabulov] I do not think so. The world cannot be unipolar. If a world power wants to make it so, this will cause great misery for the whole world.

[Kabul Weekly] But the world has become unipolar following the disintegration of the former Soviet Union. Do you think the world is being split into two poles, both restarting the Great Game?

[Zamir Kabulov] I think the world is going to be multipolar and this is a natural trend in history. The world has become unipolar, bipolar and unipolar several times over and now the world is once again moving towards multipolarity. The USA is one pole and a united Europe is another pole. China is becoming more powerful and Russia will also find its place.

[Kabul Weekly] Right now, the relationship between different countries is changing drastically. India, which was a longtime ally of Russia's, is pursuing strategic relations with the USA. US troops are present in Afghanistan. Russia, China and some other Central Asian countries have come together to form the Shanghai Pact. Iran, which is currently facing problems with the USA and Europe, seems to be more interested in developing relations with Russia. At this point, do you not think that Afghanistan will once again become a disputed region for these powers?

[Zamir Kabulov] We need to know why everyone is looking for allies. First we should find out why Afghanistan may become a disputed region? Afghanistan is close to the three main petroleum- producing regions on earth; the Middle East and Persian Gulf, the Caspian Sea and Central Asia. Today, the country that owns petroleum and gas, or the lifeline of the world's economy, leads the world. I think the problem starts here. We should not forget that there are also other countries that are trying to emerge as dominant economic and military powers powerhouses.

[Kabul Weekly] Are you talking about Russia?

[Zamir Kabulov] Yes, and China and India. We can see that the economic growth of China is greater than that of any other country in the world.

Shanghai Cooperation Organization

[Kabul Weekly] The Shanghai Pact nations asked the USA to specify when it would withdraw its troops from Central Asia as soon as possible. How effective do you think that could be in the long term and short term?

[Zamir Kabulov] China and other members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) realize the need for the coalition forces fighting terrorism and they will be patiently watching the war on terror. But over the past year, US troops have reiterated that the Taleban no longer exist and the game is over. If that is true, no reason remains for the US bases to remain in the region.

[Kabul Weekly] Does this mean that the war on terror is still not over?

[Zamir Kabulov] Yes. When they say the game is over and our mission is accomplished, they should be thanked and asked to remove their bases.

[Kabul Weekly] So you mean the bases should be closed down?

[Zamir Kabulov] Yes. All the independent countries of Central Asia, whether they are members of the Shanghai Pact or not, have the right to know what the plan is. They want to know when the game is over and we would then bid them farewell.

[Kabul Weekly] Some publications in the West have quoted the Kyrgyz authorities as saying that they signed the Shanghai Pact under pressure from Russia and China. How true is that?

[Zamir Kabulov] I do not know. Those who have made the claim should answer that question. As far as I am concerned, Kyrgyz officials have not said anything about any pressure.

Russian interest in purpose of US military bases

[Kabul Weekly] Do you think the military presence of NATO and the USA has other goals beyond the war on terror in the region?

[Zamir Kabulov] We want to know. When the government of Afghanistan signs agreements that allow the establishment of permanent military bases on its soil, we want to know why these bases are being established. What will these bases be used for if terrorism is uprooted in Afghanistan. It is our right to know.

[Kabul Weekly] Have you ever officially asked the Afghan or US governments about this?

[Zamir Kabulov] Yes. They say these bases are to maintain stability and defend the national sovereignty of Afghanistan. If this is true, we have no problem whatsoever.

[Kabul Weekly] Is the US military presence in Afghanistan against your interests?

[Zamir Kabulov] Not for the time being. We are more concerned about the future.

Role of Pakistan

[Kabul Weekly] What do you think about the role of Pakistan in the ever changing circumstances in the region and the world? As has been said before, the main bases of terrorism and their training centres are in Pakistan. Do you think Pakistan will continue to play its role?

[Zamir Kabulov] We hope Pakistan will prove to be Afghanistan's best neighbour in the region. At the moment, we can see that Afghanistan has the strongest commercial relationship with Pakistan, but we are also worried about the existence of extremists on Pakistani territory. However, we hear that Pakistan is doing its best to eliminate these extremists, for instance Pakistan says that it has deployed 74,000 troops to foil extremist activities in the region. But that is not enough. We hope that Pakistan steps up its efforts.

[Kabul Weekly] Taking into consideration the pressure Pakistan is coming under from its traditional allies - Britain and the USA - regarding the fight against terror in that country, and bearing in mind the improving economic and military relations between Pakistan and China, to what extent do you think Pakistan could move closer to the Shanghai Pact and break its ties with its former allies?

[Zamir Kabulov] It is up to the people and the government of Pakistan to decide what is in their interests. But changing sides is very common in international politics.

[Kabul Weekly] Does this mean you could envisage such a possibility?

[Zamir Kabulov] Why not. There are no exceptions. If such relations are based on positive objectives, we are not against this.

[Kabul Weekly] But relations between different countries have not always been positive. We have examples of such relations throughout history.

[Zamir Kabulov] That is right, but for us, it depends on Pakistan's relationship with India. If the dispute between these two nuclear powers intensifies, this could only cause an escalation in tension in the region and the world. In addition to the relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan, the problems in the region have other dimensions that need to be taken into consideration.

Source: BBC Monitoring South Asia

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