Interview with UN Secretary-General's representative

The UN Secretary-General's representative in Tajikistan is Bulgarian former diplomat, Vladimir Sotirov. He heads the UN Tajikistan Office of Peace-building (UNTOP), which is tasked with the delicate responsibility of providing the political framework and leadership for the post-conflict peace-building process in the mountainous Central Asian state. Working with the UN country team, it mobilises international support for the country's reconstruction and development. In an interview with IRIN, Sotirov maintained that the country's successful peace process could serve as a model for peace-building in neighbouring Afghanistan. He hoped that while continuing in the same direction, Tajikistan would soon become a pluralistic democracy. QUESTION: How well is the Tajik peace process moving and what major challenges lie ahead in the foreseeable future? ANSWER: The bases of the peace process were laid down by the 1997 general agreement on the establishment of peace in Tajikistan. A mutually agreeable power-sharing formula was elaborated that satisfied all participants in the conflict. A 30 percent quota for the participation of the opposition in the government was accepted, which provided the impetus to the peace process. As you know, the opposition is now represented in the parliament. There are two seats representing the Islamic Revival Party (IRP). This represents the pluralistic vision for the development of the society. Ex-combatants are integrated into the government and the power structure. However, one of the challenges is to further promote dialogue, to shed any mistrust that still exits, to be inclusive in the governance of the country [and] to be open for all those who would like to participate in the building of the future of Tajikistan. The challenge is to further continue within the true spirit of understanding and cooperation that was established by the 1997 agreement. Q: Do you think that the Tajik peace process provides a model to be replicated in neighbouring Afghanistan? A: The UN Secretary-General visited Tajikistan in October. In his talks with President Emomali Rahmonov, he stressed that given the positive results in Tajikistan, it could serve as the model of overcoming the difficulties and problems in Afghanistan. I fully share this understanding and feel that all positive things that were gained here - mainly the necessity to maintain a constructive dialogue, the spirit of understanding and cooperation and the necessity to combine efforts for the future development of the country - are positive things that can be used in Afghanistan. Q: Border disputes have emerged as a major source of conflicts in Central Asia. Do you see the country being able to resolve the numerous border disputes with its neighbours? A: This question depends on two sides: the Tajiks and their neighbours - Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan or Afghanistan. There are no big issues on the borders with Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan. The border issues between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan can easily be solved [by] involving a spirit of understanding and cooperation. My perception is that there is enough goodwill and understanding in Tajikistan’s government to solve any issue that still exists concerning border issues. This is also linked to the future of Tajikistan. As a landlocked country, it needs, of course, to have very good relations with its neighbours in order to improve the trade and other sectors as well. Q: Do you think that the economic transition from the centralised communism to a free market economy is difficult and is causing widespread poverty in the country? A: There are many aspects of this issue. In Tajikistan, we are facing, in addition to the normal problems related to a transition period, the legacy of a devastating war. With these difficulties of transition from one system of management to another, we also have this additional burden, which should be overcome in the society. This is to understand the necessity of quickly pursuing reforms. However, this is not easy, as it is linked to the change of the mentality or behaviour of ordinary people. So evidently a certain period of time is needed for people to understand that they should take their destiny in their hands. This is a difficult period for a poor country like Tajikistan, and this is linked to the issue of good governance. The UN is here to assist and to prepare those that could lead the country to a better future. Q: How do you support the Tajik government in regional cooperation and other foreign policy objectives? A: Our mandate does not cover this issue and we do not have prerogatives in pursuing any activities with regard to the foreign policy of Tajikistan. Nonetheless, we support any initiative that is linked to improving regional cooperation, peace and stability. So, in our talks with high-ranking officials, we encourage them to pursue these goals and also to be flexible and open while trying to develop cooperation with their neighbours. Q: How would you compare Tajikistan to other post-Soviet republics? A: I am not an expert on the former Soviet republics. However, Tajikistan has to overcome the legacy of the deadly war, which the other countries don't have. It is difficult to compare it with other countries. However, there is a wish and will in the leadership of the country to introduce democratic principles of governance and development in the society, in an effort to create a vibrant civil society. It is very open. Even today we inaugurated a new information and documentation centre for human rights, which was done in close cooperation with the Tajik authorities. We see this as a form of assistance to the Tajik government to implement and guarantee fundamental human rights and freedoms in accordance with the international treaties to which it is a party. Q: Do you think that enough international attention is being paid to the county’s pressing humanitarian and development needs? A: Well, I wouldn't say that enough international attention is being paid to the needs of Tajikistan. In a way, the tragedy of 11 September has attracted the attention of the international community to this region and in Tajikistan in particular. However, my feeling is that not enough humanitarian aid is being given to the country. Especially in this decisive period of transition, the government needs more investments and encouragement with regard to its development needs. Q: How optimistic are you about democracy in the country? A: I am encouraged by the democratic developments so far in this country. I believe if it continues to move in the same direction in the future, it will quickly develop into a pluralistic democracy. However, a lot of difficulties have to be overcome, especially in the field of further separation of powers, mass media, promotion and the protection of human rights, thereby encouraging civil society, reforming power structures, and continuing with a spirit of tolerance and dialogue in the society. As an optimist. I will fully support and encourage any developments which will lead to the strengthening of the rule of law, and development of a pluralistic democracy in Tajikistan.