By Ambassador Haron Amin

These are extraordinary times for Afghanistan. From Bonn (Dec. 2001) to the Loya Jirga (grand na-tional assembly) ratifying the Constitution (Jan. 2004), from the Tokyo (Jan. 2002) to the Berlin Donors' Conferences (April 2004), Afghanistan has taken significant con-structive strides. Twenty three years of invasions, war and terror have been overcome and the path to-wards peace, reconstruction and develop-ment has been adopted. And prepara t ions are underway for general na-tional elections in a few months.

Then there are the pessi-mists, zooming only on a few incidents of insecuri-ty. For them, the return of 4.3 million girls and boys to schools and of 3.3 mil-lion refugees back to Af-ghanistan does not speak volumes. They doubt IMF, WB and ADB claims of economic growth in Af-ghanistan. In a nutshell, these naysayers are comp-eled to even equate the success in Afghanistan with the tenuous situation in Iraq.

Granted, the last battle of the Cold War, regional games of hegemony and perpetration of terror-all happened in Afghanistan, affecting every Afghan for over two decades. Yet to-day, the legacy of Presi-dent Hamid Karzai re-mains unchallenged and local districts and provin-ces only seek their integra-tion into the national gov-ernment, not the reverse. The newly trained Afghan National Army and Police

forces have been deployed in many prov-inces. For these reasons, the ini-tiatives present-ed by the Af-g h a n Delegation at the Berlin Con-

ference prompted the do-nor community to in-crease, rather than to decrease, their level of funding. Why? First, the agenda and development plan had been prepared in collaboration with interna-tional organizations. Sec-ond, the Government pro-claimed ownership of the development process.

Appointed the first Am-bassador to Japan in 25 years by an international-ly-recognized, nationally-legitimate Afghan Govern-ment, I believe challenges only constitute opportuni-

ties. Let me draw upon parallels from Japanese experience, which in 1945 was similarly devastated. First, the Japanese institu-tion of Emperor was pre-served. In Afghanistan, His Majesty King Zahir Shah was brought back and proclaimed "Father of the Nation". Second, the emergence of the Cold War prompted the Allied Forces to help Japan. In Afghanistan, 9/11 mir-rored a similar situation. Third, in both cases, the international community generously contributed to-wards development. Fourth, both countries pro-duced good Leadership, energetic bureaucrats and a vision to leap forward. Fifth, the presence of U.S. and international troops in both places helped with the security situation. Al-though there are also dis-similarities, however, at the end of the day, the glass is only half full.

My job here is to strength-en historic and cultural af-finities which have existed for thousands of years. It is also to consolidate rela-tions which date back to the turn of the 20th Centu-ry. Appreciating their sup-port, Japan's magnani-mous role in the development of Afghani-stan will only work to prove the pessimists wrong.

Looking Ahead: The Way I See It

News Cont'd(May 20) - In a two-day conference, donors pledged $350 million for Afghan Police and border guards in Qatar. Interior Minister Ali Jalali appealed to participat-ing countries to invest in the security sector of Afghani-stan. Meanwhile, a seminar launched by the German Technical Assistance (GTZ) in Qandahar gathered police officers from 10 southern and southwestern provinces to discuss their role in the upcoming elections.

(May 17) - The construction of the US funded Jalalabad-Nooristan-Kunar highway began today. Stretching 122 km, the project will cost $20 million and will be completed by summer 2005. -Newly trained Urban Dis-cipline and Rapid Deploy-ment Police Units have been deployed in nine entry points around Kabul to pro-vide extra security. -Bishkek - A protocol of cooperation was signed be-

tween the Kabul and the Khyrgiz Chambers of Com-merce. Under the agree-ment, both Afghan and Kir-ghyz businessmen will be able to freely invest in ei-ther country. At the same time, a joint Chamber of Commerce was established to facilitate necessary ac-commodations for invest-ment.-2,000 out of the 10,000 armed men ready to be de-mobilized See News, Page 4

Q. Tell us of changes since you arrived.When I arrived, Kabul was like a ghost town. There were no cars except UN and NGO cars. Now, there are traffic jams, and thriving businesses, like in other cit-ies. Most areas have total security.

Q. What role has Japan played and name a few projects?The Kabul-Khandahar road has been com-pleted, and the Khandahar railroad is go-ing to be starting very soon, jointly with American and Saudi help. Recently I at-tended the building of a school, opening of a clinic, and completion of a Bazaar and Park for women. The last two are es-pecially important since women in this country were long deprived of jobs. Also, modern equipment was set up for Kabul TV. I recently joined the Minister of In-formation and Culture at the groundbreak-ing ceremony for construction of a TV transmitter across Kabul.

Q. The media only highlights a few inci-dents of insecurity. What is your view?The media tends to highlight incidents and accidents. There are still some areas where there are insurgencies, but in most parts of the country, people are enjoying normal lives, despite pervading poverty.

Q. In what areas are these efforts having the most impact? President Karzai has placed great empha-sis on the construction of national high-ways. Since health and education are pri-orities, almost 150 new schools have been opened, and we will bring medical equip-ment to more than 100 clinics and hospi-tals.

Q. What opportunities do you see for Japanese investors in Afghanistan? Located in the heart of the region, this country has very rich natural resources. It links Central Asia to the Indian Ocean and Arabic Sea. Japanese investors should consider the geographical frame of the country. There is a lot of potential. Invest-ors should come and see the situation for themselves. There is always media infor-mation, but "seeing is believing."　Many

projects have already begun; roads and investment projects, the construction of a five-star hotel, telecommunications, etc. There are many investors from the rest of the world. I hope Japanese investors will lose no time, and seek the possibility of working in this country.

Q. What similarities do you see between our peoples and cul-tures?Both nations have ancient cul-tures, and have been influenced by Buddhism. Also, in the past century both our countries were

completely devastated by war, yet persevered and strove to-wards reconstruction. Both share a strong sense of hospital-ity. Japanese people here don't feel sorry to be away from Ja-pan. Q. Where do you see Japan-Afghan relations and Ja-pan's role in the region?Afghanistan and this region are critical to the preservation of peace and stability, not only here but all over the world.

Therefore, the government of Japan will continue supporting reconstruction and stabilization efforts of Afghanistan as long as necessary. These countries, both located in Asia, can pres-

ent an example of close and friendly relations between countries of the Islamic world, the Asian world,

and the Western world.

Q. In terms of Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegra-tion do you see any progress?

DDR's main period will be ex-panded beyond Kabul, to other places shortly. We still face bad cooperation from some commanders. The leaders of this country and the internation-al community are persuading warlords and resistance commanders to abide by this program.

Q. Do you have a final thought?It is still possible our efforts might fail. It is very important for the international community, including Japan to maintain their interest in this country.

15 July 1747 - Ahmad Shah Durra-ni, founder of modern Afghanistan, claims himself king in a letter.

October 1747 - Pir Said Saber Shah Kabuli places a turban on the head of Ahmad Shah Durrani in the Shrine of Sher-e-Surkh, Kandahar and declared him as the legal King.

11 January 1748 - Ahmad Shah Durrani captures the city of Lahore from its Moghul rulers.

khodaa goft ke tu harakat kon ke man barakat konom."God said, 'start moving so that I will start blessing.'"

-God helps those who help themselves.

Ingredients for six persons: two midsize onions cut into small pieces; 450 grams of ground beef; 450 grams of whole wheat noodles (can also use udon noodles); 1 heaping tea spoon of minced garlic; 250 grams of canned red kid-ney beans; 250 grams of can-ned garbanzo beans or yellow peas; 1 cube of beef bouillon; 1/2 tea spoon salt; 1/2 tea spoon corriander powder; 1/4

tea spoon ground cumin; 1ta-ble spoon dry dill weed; pinch of ground black pepper; 100 grams of minced tomaoes; mix of 100 grams of yogurt and 50 grams of sour creme.To cook: Sautee onions brown with 50 ml of oil; add ground beef and stir for 5 more min; add garlic and spices except dill weed and stir for 5 addi-tional minutes; add minced to-matoes; add bouillon and 2 lit-

ers of water and cook for 45 minutes; add red kidney and garbanzo beans and cook for 10 minutes; add noodles and 1 heaping table spoon of dill weed and cook till ready; if needed, add more water (cau-tion: Aash is supposed to be a little thick in consistency). To serve: pour into soup bowls and add 1 table spoon of mixed yogurt, stir and serve.

Some Embassy Activities

Chronology of Events

Afghan Proverbs

Afghan Recipes: How to make "Aash" or Noodles?

Interview withAmbassador Kinichi Komano

sabr talkh ast laiken bar-e shirin daarad "Patience may be bitter, yet it bears sweet fruit."

-Patience is a virtue.

(April 17, Tokyo) - NTT Workers' Union of Japan ar-ranged "Human Festival 2004" at Nerima Cultural Center where awareness and funds were raised for Aschiana, a school for Kabul's working street children. The program began with a charity concert by Jung Chanwoo followed by Ambassador-Designate Amin's speech on the current situation in Afghanistan. Later, exchanges of opinion between Japanese and Afghan students took place via TV conference. Ambassador Komano ad-dressed Japanese students and Ambassador-Designate Amin addressed Afghan students. NTT membership is over 200,000.

(April 17) - The Lions Club (330-A District) which helps build two schools in Afghani-stan held its 50th annual as-sembly at Tokyo Prince Hotel. Mr. M. Noor Akbary, Charge d' Affaires of the Embassy and 10 Afghan students were invit-ed by the District Club's Chair-man, Mr. Nakajima. In his speech, Mr. Akbary thanked

the Club for its effort. The Li-ons Club was established in 1971 as a "Social Service Or-ganization" and now has 46,000 clubs in 193 countries. Among the 1500 participants in the event were Prince and Princess Hitachi and former Prime Minister Nakasone.(May 15) - Afghan Forum Ja-pan, dedicated to helping Af-

ghanistan had its monthly meeting in Tokyo. Ambassador Amin was invited at their latest meeting and thanked them for their support. The Forum is 125-member strong and mai-tains a website.(May 13, Tottori) - Invited by Tottori City Assemblyman, Mr. Masayuki Morimoto to pro-mote Japan-Afghan relations, Mr Bashir Mohabbat, First Secretary paid a two-day visit to Tottori, where he also met Mayor Isao Takeuchi. Next year, both Tottori University and the General Printing Com-pany will each accept 2 Af-ghans for training. There he al-so met Vice-Governor Hirai and Tottori Sanyo Electric Company head office.

page 2 page 3

Today, the legacy of President

Karzai remains unchallenged.

Seated Right to left, fifth person is President of Afghan Forum Japan Mr. Shikida next to Ambassador Amin and Mr. Mohabbat, First Secretary.

Afghan News, June 2004 Afghan News, Volume 1, Issue 1

I hope Japanese investors will lose no

time, and seek the pos-sibility of working in

this country.

Ambassador Kinichi Komano passed Diplo-matic Service Examination in 1969 and joined Foreign Service the following year. Mr. Koma-no served in numerous posts around the world and was appointed Charge d'Affaires (Minis-ter) in February 2002 in Kabul. Two months later, he was promoted as Ambassador. A seas-oned and hard-working diplomat, Mr. Komano meets Afghan cabinet members often. He is al-so a favorite Ambassador to Afghans because his Dari is commendable. He learned Farsi 30 years ago in Shiraz, Iran. Dari is the local dia-lect of the Persian language.