I am afraid of another injustice for the sake of justice

What follows is an interview with Shahnawaz Tanai, a presidential candidate and a former minister of defense in 1980s

Shahnawaz Tanai: There have been many mistakes since the monarchy but with one difference. Some committed few mistakes and some more. We want reconciliation and without reconciliation peace and security will not come. So how can we demand reconciliation on one hand and transitional justice on the other? There are violators of human rights in the government and parliament, why they are not questioned for their deeds? I believe the people of Afghanistan must come together and solve their problems jointly.

Election Transparency:

Q: Will we have transparent elections?

A: To bring peace and development we must create the right political culture and consolidate democracy. Then we can say that elections will be transparent and clean.

Security is not established and some of the candidates use their power and resources and are supported by foreigners. The government and coalition countries have failed to provide better conditions. Therefore, we will have weak elections.

Corruption:

Q: What will you do, after your victory, to fight corruption?

A: If I win, I will reform the political culture and consolidate democracy. Besides, I will also implement justice and rule of law and a better politics. We will try to establish an elected government. People will reach their desires. Much attention will be paid on women and youth. In this way we can attract the public support. After we have obtained security and the trust of people we will eliminate corruption. We had a just and sound leadership and management during the government of People’s Democratic Party in my previous term and there was no corruption.

Negotiation with the Anti Government Forces:

Q: What is your opinion about negotiation with Taliban and Hezb e Islami? Some of the candidates have expressed their willingness to negotiate with them.

A: The past experiences in Afghanistan showed that no one can solve the problem of this country alone. The people of Afghanistan must learn lessons from past experiences and get united to overcome the problems. I believe war is not the solution. There should be reconciliation and negotiation between government and opponent forces as they are also part of the country. They have the right to live and serve in this country. I will continue the negotiation process and give the government to the people if I become successful in the elections.

Transitional justice:

Q: What is your definition of transitional justice?

A: Throughout the history of Afghanistan, there have been mistakes because of disunity and selfishness and wars were imposed on the people of Afghanistan and interference in our internal affairs have taken place. The responsibility of mistakes committed in the country is not only of the Afghans but also of foreign countries because they intervened. I believe it is difficult to review all the past mistakes. I believe injustices may take place again in the name of justice.

Secondly, people are indulged with problems today. I believe that the current problems of people must be addressed first so they do not confront more difficulties. There should be reforms in the country and people be trained and reformed and should not be punished.

Q: There have been human rights violations during the past three decades. What will you do for the victims?

A: Firstly, most of the people had parts in these violations and no one was impartial. All have committed mistakes including foreign countries. It is difficult to investigate all of them. It will be beyond the ability of our people.

Secondly, the mistakes are taking place right now. Who is pursuing them? The coalition countries present in the country are committing mistakes so who is pursuing them? The current government is indulged in mistakes, if no one is able to ask them then how one can review the problems of past 35 years. It is a difficult and impossible job.

Q: The victims of war will demand you for prosecution. What is your answer?

A: We will consider justice and the rights and wishes of people. But it is very difficult to investigate all mistakes committed during the past 30-35 years.

Secondly, if the people of Afghanistan are investigated the foreign countries will not be investigated. This means only the weak will be prosecuted. It is injustice and we must focus on the current problems.

Q: The current problems have roots in the past and if we do not correct the past how fix our future?

A: I favor human rights if they be able to do something. However I believe that the people of Afghanistan do not have this ability to ask great world powers that were involved in political rivalries.

The current government which came into being as a result of Bonn Conference should try to do their job correctly and implement justice. They should pay attention on current situation instead of the past. If we fail implement justice today how can we pursue the crimes of the past 35 years?

Q: Which one do you choose between justice and reconciliation?

A: There have been many mistakes since the monarchy but with one difference. Some committed few mistakes and some more. We want reconciliation and without reconciliation peace and security will not come. So how can we demand reconciliation on one hand and transitional justice on the other? There are violators of human rights in the government and parliament, why they are not questioned for their deeds? I believe the people of Afghanistan must come together and solve their problems jointly.

Q: What will be your mechanisms for peace and reconciliation?

A: War is not the solution. Negotiation must continue between government and anti-government forces, it will result into reconciliation. In view of the interests and the constitution of Afghanistan both the parties must reach an agreement.

Q: Reconciliation with violators of human rights during past 30 years, is that what you mean?

A: I favor the implementation of human rights but I am afraid that injustices may take place in the name of justice.

Q: In the public opinion you are accused of human rights violations during your term as Minister of Defense in the government of the People’s Democratic Party of Afghanistan and you should respond to public, what is your position?

A: I have my party according to the laws of Afghanistan. My party has supported me to become a candidate. Secondly, we had a democratic and legal system in the past and I had defended a legal regime.

Q: Some of the human rights violators are part of the current government. What will you do with them?

A: Every thing belongs to the will of people. Whom they vote and who they do not vote. It is not related to persons. If I accuse you and you accuse me then people will be lost. Secondly, the accused remains accused and it is not suitable that we accuse some one. No one has any evidence on me. However if any one brings any proof against me I am ready to defend myself in front of my God, people, justice and my conscience.

Q: Do you not think your government will face challenges if you fail to regard the demands of the victims?

A: I do not want to kill people after I get power. However I will bring reforms in the country and people. My obligations starts from the day I sit on the presidential seat according to the laws of Afghanistan.

Based in Kabul, the Afghanistan Watch focuses on activities that promote justice, respect for human rights and a culture of accountability and transparency in the country. Recognizing the need for greater understanding of the perils and opportunities facing Afghanistan today, the organization aims to conduct in-depth research and publish reports and papers on issues relevant to its goals and values independently or in partnership with other national and international organizations.

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International Relations and Security Network(ISN) / Security Watch
14 December 2009

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