On March 4, Qiamuddin Rai Barlas, Afghan ambassador to China, sat down with Beijing Review reporters Ding Ying and Ni Yanshuo, to discuss his country's future.

Beijing Review: What role are the United Nations and United States playing in the reconstruction of Afghanistan?

Ambassador Barlas: The US army is needed to keep peace. If they were not there, al-Qaeda and terrorism would reign. We are now establishing our national army. Only after it is in place, can we run our country ourselves. Strategically speaking, Afghanistan is very important. If there is no peace in Afghanistan, there is no peace in the region. The country cannot be a hub for terrorists.

Beijing Review: What measures will the new government take to fight terrorism?

Ambassador Barlas: Terrorism is a disaster to all countries. Afghanistan is cooperating with all other countries against terrorism. The border area between Afghanistan and Pakistan is very difficult to control by either government. The international community, especially the United States, is making efforts to eliminate terrorism and catch Bin Laden. I heard that the Pakistani army is also working very hard in the border area to fight against terrorism and get bin Laden.

Beijing Review: Can you explain why Iraq started its reconstruction soon after the war, but it took Afghanistan over two years to prepare for the presidential election?

Ambassador Barlas: Sure. After 24 years of war, everything in Afghanistan was destroyed. After the Soviet soldiers left the country, the Taliban came into power. It was a continual disaster. It was not until September 11, 2001, when al-Qaeda attacked New York City, that the world realized how dangerous terrorism is. Afterwards, governments and organizations around the world started to help the Afghan people arrange their own life, so they toppled the Taliban.

The situation in Iraq was completely different. At least they had a stable society. It has been necessary for Afghanistan to take two years to prepare to rebuild. Now we have a new constitution and will hold direct presidential election, but these are new phenomenon in the country. There are still many difficulties ahead.

Beijing Review: It is said that the presidential election may be postponed, is this possible?

Ambassador Barlas: Yes, there are indeed many problems. For example, communication is not very good. Government officials have to go to every province, city and village to collect ballots. But preparation is continuing. The UN is also helping arrange the vote. Although there are some rumors that the election will be postponed two or three months, we are still very hopeful to hold the election in June or July as scheduled.

Beijing Review: What is the most important task of the future government?

Ambassador Barlas: Without peace, there is nothing. Politics and economy are both very important to us but we need a peaceful environment to develop the country. We are establishing a national army. The UN believes that the army should represent all ethnic groups, and be under the control of the central government. The government needs to unite all 10 ethnic groups.

Beijing Review: How will the new government improve women's rights?

Ambassador Barlas: According to the Constitution (of Afghanistan), women have equal rights. We have five nominees for the presidential election, one of whom is a woman. We hope in future reconstruction, men and women will take part equally.

Beijing Review: The Taliban regime destroyed many cultural relics in Afghanistan. What will the new government do regarding cultural heritage protection?

Ambassador Barlas: Culture is the identity of a country. The minister of culture of Afghanistan is doing a lot to protect culture relics. On March 31, the minister will come to China and talk with the Chinese minister of culture on how China can help our country protect cultural relics.

(Beijing Review March 23, 2004)