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CNN Live At Daybreak

U.N. Trying to Design Political Structure for Afghanistan

Aired November 14, 2001 - 06:17   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CATHERINE CALLAWAY, CNN ANCHOR: The United Nations is working to try and provide a political structure for the future of Afghanistan. Here is CNN's senior U.N. correspondent Richard Roth with details.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

RICHARD ROTH, CNN SENIOR U.N. CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): He is the man with the Afghan plan. Global troubleshooter, Lakhdar Brahimi, was assigned by the U.N. to devise a post-Taliban political future. The United Front's drive into Kabul speeds up the tough job of trying to unite Afghanistan with a broad-based, multi-ethnic government.

LAKHDAR BRAHIMI, U.N. SPECIAL ENVOY TO AFGHANISTAN: They expect much from the United Nations, and they are not sure that the United Nations will deliver.

ROTH: By Security Council briefing standards, it was blunt crisis vision. Brahimi sketched out a five-point plan that starts with a meeting of the diverse political factions of Afghan life. With success, that could lead to a two-year transitional government, backed by a multinational security force.

BRAHIMI: Without genuine and lasting security, nothing will be possible, let alone the establishment of a new government.

ROTH: Noting Afghan dislike of outsiders, the envoy said the preferred security option is an all-Afghan force. But that can't be organized as soon as needed, more likely a group of countries providing military forces.

JACK STRAW, BRITISH FOREIGN SECRETARY: There's an immediate need for security, and that is likely to have to be provided by the existing members of the multi-coalition.

ROTH: Thus, no United Nations peacekeepers, who serve best when a total peace settlement already exists.

Politically, the U.N. still recognizes the former government ousted by the Taliban. It will be replaced, but with what is far from clear. That government's ambassador at the U.N. promises support for the negotiators, but draws the line.

RAVAN FARHADI, AFGHANISTAN AMBASSADOR TO U.N.: As they say in the demonstration, we say, Pashtuns, yes, Taliban, no. ROTH: United Nations negotiators stress the need for the Afghan people to feel in charge of their future with international aid. Envoy Brahimi says what won't work is parachuting in international experts who lack credibility.

KOFI ANNAN, U.N. SECRETARY-GENERAL: This requires the end of interference in Afghanistan's affairs by neighboring countries.

ROTH: After years of devastation, Brahimi appealed to all to show the people of Afghanistan they will not be deserted this time.

Richard Roth, CNN, United Nations.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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