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CNN Live Sunday

U.N. Conference in Tokyo Helps Afghanistan Rebuild

Aired January 20, 2002 - 18:09   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.
CAROL LIN, CNN ANCHOR: The U.N. estimates it will take $15 billion over the next 10 years to rebuild Afghanistan. Representatives from 60 countries and organization are in Tokyo to consider what seems like an impossible task, rebuilding that country.

CNN senior U.N. correspondent Richard Roth joins us live from Tokyo with more -- Richard.

RICHARD ROTH, CNN SENIOR U.N. CORRESPONDENT: Yes, Carol, dreary weather here, and the people of Afghanistan represented by their new leadership here hope that's not a bad omen for what's to come in the next few days here in this conference, international conference dedicated to the recovery and reconstruction of the nation of Afghanistan after 20 years plus of war.

The interim leader, Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan, kind of making his debut on the word political stage here, arriving in Tokyo on Sunday. Karzai said he hopes to leave with his hands full of money from more than 60 countries coming here to Tokyo to contribute aid for the immediate future and the long-term future and the recovery of Afghanistan.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

HAMID KARZAI, INTERIM AFGHAN GOVT. CHAIRMAN: One thing I would like to say with certainty, with clarity, that is we need your help. We need your help to begin a new life for the millions of children and women and wounded and disabled, victimized by years of trauma and terrorism. Help us begin a new life. Help us stand again on our feet, to make a country that will preserve its own values and tradition and that will also contribute toward community in terms of providing better peace and work against terrorism.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ROTH: Secretary of State Colin Powell met with U.N. Secretary- General Kofi Annan Sunday evening in Japan. The U.S. is not ready to disclose how much it is going to donate here at this conference. Reports say $400 million over the next two years. There is some concern among all of these countries to make sure that the money indeed goes to work inside of Afghanistan, which is now, of course, plagued by tribal in-fighting and chaos in many parts of the country.

United Nations Secretary General Annan very worried that countries are going to look to the long term and not really rush in aid, which is needed now. The United Nations says the government has to be paid, civil servants, police, security -- these are the major concerns, Carol.

LIN: All right. Thank you very much. Richard Roth reporting live from Tokyo tonight.

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