(THIS ARTICLE IS MACHINE TRANSLATED by Google from Norwegian)
- In Ny Tid on April 25, Taliban spokesman Yousuf Ahmadi told Ny Tid that you, as the UN special envoy, should "recognize the Taliban as a reality on the ground. If he does not, he is obviously the puppet of the United States and is working for the cause of the Americans. " What do you say to that?
– I do not recognize myself. I represent the global community, something I emphasize again and again. Admittedly, I have some background from NATO work, but I have from the UN system as well. Recently I was on a tour of Europe, where I received full support for my coordinating work, and I have done so from the Afghan authorities as well. I'm not a puppet.
- Ahmadi also referred to you as an "uncut watermelon", since you are not known to them. But do you want to accept the Taliban as a party?
– I take his statements with crushing calm. I have received clear positive signals about my role. I would not otherwise comment on the Taliban statements.
- How do you think the country is doing now?
– Better. Girls go to school, the health service is better, infrastructure is built and the media service is more pluralistic. It is progress we must protect. But in terms of security, the situation is stable in large parts of the country. But we must remember that the solution to Afghanistan's problems lies in political processes and not just in military operations. If a reconciliation process is set in motion, it must be led by the Afghan government. But it is important that such a process does not lead us to make compromises that jeopardize the progress we have made.
- MP Daud Sultanzoi told Ny Tid that he was disappointed that you had not met his committee, which monitors the activities of international organizations?
– I'm registering it. And I try to meet as many as possible. It's enough, I've had a full program, only managed to be in Kabul for 15 days during the first month. But I have had discussions with several in parliament and in the government, and I have gained full confidence. I am pleased with this clear and unequivocal support.
– Several Afghans point out that you are not as profiled and strong as British Paddy Ashdown, who was actually nominated, but who was then rejected by the Afghan government?
– It is true that Ashdown was first and foremost the United States' first choice. But I think I have always had support in the UN system. Now the situation is that I have the full support of the Afghan government and also of the political leadership in the United States, something the visit to Washington gave a clear message about.
- What is the situation in Afghanistan in a year?
– It is impossible to predict political processes, and it is not difficult to see the challenges, such as drug trafficking and corruption. But those who say that progress has not been achieved, they are blind. The challenge will be to use the resources more efficiently. It is about building on the positive development features, and at the same time getting the Afghans to fight corruption more effectively.