April 8, 2002	Monday	Muharram 24, 1423

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ISLAMABAD, April 7: The European Union would like to see a different composition of the provisional government in Afghanistan from that of the Tajik dominated interim administration led by Chairman Hamid Karzai.

Speaking at a press conference at the residence of the Spanish ambassador on Saturday, the EU special representative to Afghanistan, Ambassador Dr Klaus Peter Klaiber, said: “I would not appreciate the provisional government having the same Tajik ministers that are in the interim government.” The EU representative said there was a predominance of Tajiks in the Interim administration.

Dr Klaiber said sharing of power was still difficult in Afghanistan but through the Loya Jirga, the Afghans could make progress.

He said it was a positive sign that the Pakistan government was of the opinion that the Jirga was a welcome opportunity to modify the composition of the leadership installed as a result of the Bonn agreement. “We all think and share the view of Pakistan that it would be very useful and welcome in the future provisional government, to be appointed by the Loya Jirga, to have more representatives of the Pakhtoons.”

Introducing the special representative, Spain’s Ambassador Antonio Segura said Dr Klaiber came to Pakistan to meet officials. The representative also visited Iran, Russia and other neighbouring countries before visiting Pakistan, he said.

The representative said the EU was of the view that Pakistan was of crucial importance for the future of Afghanistan. He said the geographical, territorial, religious, cultural and historical links showed that one country could not live without the other and neighbourly relations between the them were essential.

Sharing his expressions after meeting the officials in Islamabad and Peshawar, Dr Klaiber said Pakistan was committed to the Bonn agreement and supported the interim government. “I think what has happened between the two countries is that they have made considerable efforts to mend fences and to restart the relationship, which is important.”

EU message to all the neighbouring countries was that it was in their national interest to have a peaceful and stable Afghanistan, he said.

Responding to a question about interference of neighbouring countries in Afghanistan, he said that during his visits to Iran, Russia and Pakistan he was impressed by their attitude.

“There used to be traditional interference of the neighbouring countries in the complicated situation in Afghanistan and everybody tried to protect their own kind and there own special interests which contributed to the mess in Afghanistan.”