Speech by Minister for Foreign Affairs Yoriko Kawaguchi on Her Upcoming Visit to Afghanistan and the Islamic Republic of Iran

25 April 2002
Full Text

Summary

Afghanistan

International Conference on Reconstruction Assistance to Afghanistan

Japan demonstrated its strong commitment to the reconstruction of Afghanistan by hosting the International Conference on Reconstruction Assistance to Afghanistan from 21 to 22 January in Tokyo.

At the Tokyo Conference, the international community recognized that the primary responsibility for the peace and development of Afghanistan lies with the Afghan people themselves. To facilitate assistance for reconstruction:

• Japan pledged up to US$500 million over the next two-and-a-half years, and;
• the international community jointly pledged over US$4.5 billion.

Consolidation of Peace in Afghanistan

On the eve of her visit to Afghanistan, Minister for Foreign Affairs Kawaguchi has called for the "Consolidation of Peace" in Afghanistan, which focuses Japan's efforts to help build a brighter future for the people of Afghanistan on three components or the three legs of a tripod: peace process-domestic security-and reconstruction and humanitarian assistance.

Support for the Emergency Loya Jirga

Reconstruction is predicated upon the smooth progress of the peace process-support for the peace process constitutes the first component. To facilitate the success of the Emergency Loya Jirga process, Japan is:

• contributing US$2.7 million for the procurement of necessary equipment for monitoring of the regional election process and transport of the Emergency Loya Jirga Commission members and international observers;
• providing technical assistance and equipment so that the Emergency Loya Jirga can be broadcast throughout the country.

Domestic Security

Domestic security is an urgent prerequisite for reconstruction-domestic security is the second component. To contribute to the further stabilization of the domestic security situation, Japan is:

• examining the possibility of extending assistance for reform of the police force, perhaps including the provision of wireless communications equipment and vehicles, as well as rehabilitation of facilities;
• considering initiatives for providing employment opportunities for the demobilized combatants;
• looking at developing and identifying appropriate projects to eradicate poppy farming;
• looking at developing and identifying appropriate projects to build up a national counter-narcotics capacity in Afghanistan;
• contributing US$19 million toward the clearance of landmines and unexploded ordnance;
• providing NGOs involved in demining with over 100 trucks, 124 4WD vehicles, and nearly 2,000 mine detectors.

Reconstruction and Humanitarian Assistance

Although Afghan people should not be placed in a situation where they are waiting for outside aid-they have to stand on their own feet to take part in the reconstruction of their own country-consolidation of peace would not be complete without reconstruction and humanitarian assistance, the third component. Such assistance should:

• help the Afghan people rebuild their communities, develop their human resources, build up their infrastructure, and;
• account for gender considerations, in every such undertaking, given women have been neglected so much for so long.

(Community rebuilding)
REAP: Recovery and Employment Afghanistan Programme

• Japan is leading the REAP project, expected to create 20,000 jobs for unskilled citizens.
• REAP provides temporary employment on public works to restore Kabul.
• Japan is implementing this program in collaboration with the UNDP.

(Human resources development)
Education

Japan has extended substantive assistance in this priority area:

• contributing about half of the required funding for the "Back to School" program, which has seen 1.5 million pupils attend school, many for the first time, since 23 March.
• planning to launch projects to rehabilitate school facilities , send education experts , and receive women teachers as trainees.

Medical and health care

Japan has provided:

• grant aid of about US$6 million to UNICEF for the purchase of vaccines for measles and polio, injectors and cold chain equipment, and;
• emergency grant aid of about US$15 million for the procurement of essential medical equipment and medicines for clinics and hospitals.
• planning for dispatching experts and acceptance of trainees in the area of health and medical care.

(Infrastructure build-up)
Transport

• Japan is exploring the possibility of establishing a public transportation system for Kabul's citizens.

NGO role

• A great number of individuals and NGOs, not only from Japan and other countries but also from Afghanistan itself, have been taking initiatives, particularly in offering emergency humanitarian aid to the people in need in Afghanistan.
• Japan is determined to further strengthen its strategic relationship with NGOs.

Iran

Foreign Minister Kawaguchi is visiting Iran with a view to:

• seek ways to cooperate further for Iran's constructive engagement in the international community, especially cooperation on Afghanistan;
• express Japan's strong support for Iran's reform, which President Khatami vigorously pursues. Reform is ongoing in wide-ranging areas, including political, economic, and social areas;
• take the opportunity to discuss a wider set of issues-the international community's concern about the proliferation and development of weapons of mass destruction, and Iran's possible constructive role in the Middle East peace issue;
• promote the friendship between Japan and Iran with particular emphasis on cultural exchange.

Conclusion

• Afghanistan is standing at a critical juncture; as the Afghan people move forward in shaping their futures, Japan, together with the world, will lend a helping hand.
• Through pursuing the tripod of the peace process, domestic security, and reconstruction and humanitarian assistance, in other words, through "consolidation of peace," Japan will help the people of Afghanistan to build a society in which men, women and children can develop their full potential and enjoy a happy life.