- ISLAMABAD - The United States
has envisaged and is likely to press ahead with its plans of an East Timor-like
UN security cover for Afghanistan to ensure its sustained military presence
in the region.
Diplomatic sources in Islamabad claimed that Lakhdar Brahimi, UN Special
Envoy for Afghanistan, discussed these plans with Pakistan. Brahimi is
currently holding talks with Iran, and Teheran has expressed serious objections
to the Western plans so far.
Brahimi hinted at the proposed diplomatic efforts last week in Islamabad,
saying: "A time will come, we hope very soon, when Afghans will reconstruct
their country with the assistance and advice of the United Nations."
However, in Tehran, Brahimi emphasized that the Afghan people themselves
must determine their future. According to a UNIC report, he stressed the
importance of supporting the Afghans without interfering in any way in
their internal affairs.
The report said: "During these talks, it was also agreed that the
forthcoming UN General Assembly's general debate in New York will be a
good occasion to continue discussions with all the neighbours of Afghanistan
- both among themselves and with the UN."
Sources said the UN Security Council members are likely to discuss the
planned transitional government arrangement for Afghanistan next week.
This government - expected to be under the exiled king Zahir Shah - would
include moderate Afghans.
But this plan would be pressed into action only when the Taliban regime
caves in; and the continued resilience shown so far has unnerved many strategists
in the US and Western camps.
There has also been talk about a possible parallel government in Afghanistan,
with Taliban ruling the entire southern belt and a UN-led government in
the north - a division of Afghanistan in a way. This second arrangement
looks more likely, as there are no signs of collapse within the Pashtun
camp so far.
Some reports, however, still speculate that Jalaluddin Haqqani is being
tipped as the man who could provide some hope to the US and Pakistan. A
Foreign Office spokesman stated on Tuesday that the dissident elements
within the Taliban or any other group, who wishes to join the broad-based
government in Afghanistan, should be given an opportunity.
Brahimi is likely to brief Western allies of the United States on the outcome
of his meetings in Teheran. Sources claimed that Iran has opposed a role
for ex-king Zahir Shah, and is hesitant to endorse plans of sustained US
military presence in the region.
The US strategy is to keep military presence in the region, at least in
the short run to allow the post-Taliban government to take hold. This plan
also includes promises of reconstruction of institutions, particularly
the creation of an education system and basic infrastructure in the country.
The World Bank had already promised to help reconstruction endeavours in
Afghanistan.
Reports suggest that some members of the Security Council want the UN role
to be that of a supporting organization, like the role it played in Cambodia.
But US and Britain, sources claimed, are more inclined to have a direct
and stronger role - like running the country as the UN did in Kosovo and
East Timor.
President General Pervez Musharraf is leaving on a six-day visit to France,
Britain and United States on Wednesday. He is expected to discuss the future
political set-up for Afghanistan with these countries.
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- http://jang.com.pk/thenews/nov2001-daily/07-11-2001/main/main1.htm
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