"It will be premature to speak about elections if disorders dominate the society, or armed elements suppress and threaten the citizens; therefore, law and order is a primary condition that will allow normal democratic development to begin."

SRSG at the Press Conference

On 2 February 1999, SRSG Mr Jan Kubis held a press conference for local and foreign media in which he appraised the peace process in 1998 as well as he drew conclusions and plans for 1999 for all concerned. Below are the excerpts:

Contemplating about the peace process, SRSG Mr. Kubis said that despite the expiry of the transitional period, if achievements of some provisions such as repatriation of refugees, registration of fighters and weapons, medical examinations, oath taking and some work of

attestation of the Military Protocol have given hopes , these positive moments, on the other hand, have not led to a genuine breakthrough in the aspects of integration, demobilization and disarmament. Expressing his concern over the unbalanced and slow pace of the peace process, he remarked that the incidents of 24-25, 30 December 1998 and the similar incident of 30-31 January 1999 were the direct violations of Military Protocol; also the government is slow with real integration of former UTO fighters in the power structures; therefore, the real and genuine implementation of the protocol by both the Government and the Opposition will be one of the priorities of the future.

Referring to a statement made by UTO about the disarmament of its armed units, which would allow the lifting of ban on the activities of the Opposition parties, SRSG Jan Kubis commented that this is the crux of the problem which would depend on the effective and expeditious implementation of the Military Protocol. Securing material support from the international organization would require correct information on statistics of the demobilized fighters, he added.

About the statements made by President and Mr. Nuri that 1999 is the year of Referendum and Elections, he pointed out that only the success of the referendum would pave the way for General Parliamentary Election, whereas the Presidential Election would be ensured by implementing stipulations defined in the Constitution. In respect of election, he added that if the elections were to be free and democratic in accordance with the international standards, the ban should be lifted not only from those of the Opposition parties but conditions should be created for the country which intended to act within the framework of the constitution , therefore means of mass media should be allowed to give more possibilities to political elements; we all should coordinate all efforts connected with the elections. It should be remembered that elections could be held only with the introduction of amendments to the Constitution, he said.

Emphasizing the issue of security, Mr. Kubis warned that it would be premature to speak about elections if disorders dominate the society, or armed elements suppress and threaten the citizens; therefore law and order is the primary condition that would allow to begin normal democratic development of the country regardless of political aims ahead. This would be a core issue to be pursued, towards which United Nations would firmly assist Republic of Tajikistan.

Touching upon the question of long awaited investigation into the killing of four UNMOT personnel, SRSG brought out that UN Secretary General was to present his interim report also on this issue to the UN Security Council by mid-February but it was regrettable that the case had not made significant progress and this position has impeded UNMOT’s activities and programmes outside Dushanbe.

In the context of his consultations with high ranking officials in Moscow, SRSG noted that the holding of a review conference of the Contact Group States at the level of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs was considered. He also informed that the government authorities of the Russian Federation, the President, Mr. Nuri and Mr. Dostiev have supported the idea in principle linking it to substantive progress in the peace process.

UN MILITARY ADVISER

FAMILIARIZES WITH UNMOT

Lt. Gen. Giulio Fraticelli, the UN Military Adviser (MILAD) to UN Secretary General visited UNMOT from 04 Feb to 05 Feb ‘99. Upon his arrival at the UNMOT HQ, he called on SRSG and later he was briefed by Head of the Civil Affairs (HCA), Mr.Yogesh Saksena and the Chief Military Observer , Brig. Gen. Tengku Ariffin.

In his briefing, highlighting the events, numerous impediments and also the cooperation between Government and Opposition, HCA gave MILAD a review of the peace process in 1998. He also mentioned about the significant events related to its implementation this year, such as the holding of Referendum and the Parliamentary Election.

The CMO briefed the General on the past major military incidents and the analysis of critical issues related to the implementation of Military Protocol. The proposed concept of future deployment of teams in the field was mentioned, with the proviso that adequate security will be arranged, particularly during the period of holding the Referendum and Elections.

On 05 February, Gen. Fraticelli met with the Deputy Prime Minister jointly with National Security Council Secretary and Presidential Adviser, the Defense Minister, the Commander of CIS PKF and the Chairman of CNR MS. Before departing for Almaty by UN aircraft in the evening, he held a short press conference at UNMOT HQ.

During the meeting with the Chairman of CNR MS, Mr. Sanginov, UNMOT was praised for its active involvement in settling the inter-Tajik disputes. He admitted that if the he gathered that the investigation is nearing incident of Labizar did not happen the feature of the implementation of the Military Protocol would have been different. Referring to the casualness by both parties in the enforcement of the planned schedule which resulted in many postponements, he emphasized the vital role of the contact group in monitoring and ensuring that the entire process is always on the track. In addition, Mr. Sanginov stated that the concept of arms buy-back might assist this country, both in the term of security and also reducing the number of weapons in the market. Gen Fraticelli assured Mr Sanginov that he would discuss certain relevant issues during his forthcoming meeting with DPKO’s staff at UN HQ.

During General Fraticelli’s meeting with the DPM, jointly with National Security Council Secretary and Presidential Adviser, the DPM expressed his gratitude to UNMOT for assisting in the implementation of peace agreement. Despite the fact that UTO had violated the Protocol by causing many security related incidents, he emphasized that the major concern of the government was to resolve pending issues as required by the General Agreement. The attestation work by JCRC is progressing well and the Presidential Decree had been issued to integrate fighters into Tajik Border Forces. A joint rapid reaction unit would be established soon to combat any major incident which is significant to a security situation, especially in Greater Dushanbe area. Besides mentioning that he enjoyed the privilege of meeting SRSG very regularly to discuss matters related to the peace process, he also suggested that UN might assist the Government in its effort to effectively control free usage of weapons among the fighters/society through an arms buy-back scheme. In his final remarks, he pointed out that in ensuring success on the demobilized fighters and ex-Government power structures’ personnel, there is a need for these personnel to be given subsidy during the initial 3 to 4 months. In this context, international organizations are required to assist the Government in providing the required funds.

The Minister of Defense Hairulloev Sherali informed Gen Fraticelli that both parties are responsible for the delay in implementation of Military Protocol. On integration, he stated that although 2000 fighters are to be absorbed by the MOD, however only 1050 fighters were found in the Assembly Areas.. Apart from the many other issues, the Minister also emphasized the problems of equipping the SDS unit. He is still hoping that SDS will be a model unit of true integration in the present time.

The Commanding General of the CIS PKF, Lt Gen. Pugachov informed Gen. Fraticelli about the organizational structure and the role of the Force in Tajikistan. He also apprised about the major tasks accomplished in cooperation with UNMOT, especially on the repatriation operations of UTO fighters from Afghanistan. The Chief Military Observer, Brig. Gen. Tengku Ariffin praised CIS PKF for its cordial working relationship with UNMOT, particularly in the field of exchanging information concerning the security situation in this country. General Fraticelli commended CIS PKF’s contribution toward the peace process in country and hoped for the extension of CIS PKF mandate as it is essential for ensuring stability in this country.

During the press conference, Gen. Fraticelli stated that " As a soldier, I deal mainly with security issues, it may not concern everyone but in Tajikistan it is important and has been a subject of discussion with various top officials whom I have met in early part of the day. This visit has been fruitful one and I can not discount the possibility of coming back again in future". Regarding the killing of four UNMOT personnel, the General said that it is a great concern of UN and from the discussions held he gathered that the investigation is nearing completion. He hoped that the perpetrators would be brought to justice soon. Referring to the possibility of redeployment of Military Observers in field, the MILAD said , " ..we want our MILOBs to carry out their tasks close to the population in order to accomplish the Mission’s mandate. Future deployment will depend on the security situation in the field and arrangement for their protection need to be looked into seriously."

THE JOINT CG - CNR MEETING EMPHASIZES ON MILITARY PROTOCOL

The meeting held between Contact Group and Commission of National Reconciliation on 11 February put stress mainly on the questions of Military Protocol, which is crucial for the implementation of Political Protocol and the entire peace process. SRSG Mr. Jan Kubis informed the media that CG and CNR members identified numerous violations of the Protocol committed mainly by the opposition, however they also noted that the government should be held accountable for the sluggish progress of the integration of UTO fighters. Chairman of the CNR MS, Mr. Sanginov told the media that both sides acknowledged their responsibilities for the Protocol’s implementation and decided to take joint measures towards its acceleration.

CNR PREPARED NEW

TIME TABLE

TO IMPLEMENT

GENERAL AGREEMENT

The CNR completed its work on new time table for implementing the General Agreement, according to which dead line for the referendum on the amendments to the constitution has been set for August this year and the Commission also agreed that the date of the Parliamentary Election should be announced not later than September, following the approval of the new

Electoral Law. Regarding the Military Protocol, the CNR envisaged that all formalities related to the integration of fighters into government power structures should be completed by 20 February. The CNR also decided that the attestation of all UTO fighters should be completed by the end of May, whereas the verification of personnel serving in the government’s power structures should be completed by June.

CASE OF FOUR UNMOT PERSONNEL GOES TO SUPREME COURT

The Prosecutor-General’s Office of Tajikistan announced that, with the completion of investigation into the killing of four UNMOT personnel on 20 July 1998, the criminal file has been forwarded to the Supreme Court of Tajikistan on 08 February 1999. According to the Prosecutor-General’s spokesman, the three suspects have confessed to committing the crime with the aim of compromising the authority of the Tajik state in the international arena. The prosecuting authority decided to proceed to trial despite the fact that the Opposition has still not handed over the weapons allegedly used in the crime. The three suspects (former opposition fighters) who were arrested with the help of the leaders of the UTO have been charged with carrying out a terrorist act. SRSG Jan Kubis welcomed this decision of the government authority and expressed hope that resolution of this matter would allow UNMOT to resume its full scale operation in the country.

UTO FIGHTERS DISARM MILITIA IN KARABULOK VILLAGE

Tensions rose in the area between Kofarnikon and Faizabad, where eight armed fighters of the UTO Namoz group were arrested on 30 January at a militia checkpost in Karabulok Village. According to the Ministry of Interior, the next day about 300 fighters from the groups of FC Namoz and FC Daros overpowered and disarmed the militiamen at that post and freed the arrested fighters. The incident was considered by the CNR, where UTO member, Mr Jaliljoda informed that it was a result of a misunderstanding between the militia and the fighters. The situation was brought under control and the matter is being investigated by a joint Government-UTO Commission. President Rakhmonov expressed concern about this and other incidents involving UTO fighters and requested Chairman Nuri to ensure effective control over his units. Later that week Mr. Nuri admitted that some UTO fighters engaged in activities which contravened the General Agreement, but noted that in order to avoid such violations in the future both parties should intensify efforts to speed up the implementation of the military protocol.

HCA AND GEN. NIZOMOV DISCUSS

COMMAND AND CONTROL ASPECT OF UTO CADRES

On 02 February, Head of the Civil Affairs Division, Yogesh Saksena met with Gen. Nizomov. Gen. Nizomov brought out that it was not true that UTO leadership had lost some control over its Field Commanders (FC) and Fighters though some clashes amongst UTO FCs during the last few weeks had taken place. When compared to a total of 6000 UTO fighters loyal to leadership, a few tiny groups of 20-30 fighters each under irresponsible commanders who create most of the incidents is a negligible number, Nizomov said. He cautioned that with criminality being so widespread in the country, it should not be a surprise for anyone if a few irresponsible FCs/fighters indulged in criminal activities, and such incidents, he added, should not be used as a basis to make a generalized statement about the UTO. In addition, Nizomov pointed out that all major commanders remain loyal to Mr. Nuri.

FOREIGN MINISTER ATTENDS THE COUNCIL OF CIS

FOREIGN MINISTERS’ MEETING

On 03 February, Tajik Foreign Minister Talbak Nazarov left for Moscow to participate in the meeting of the Council of CIS Foreign Ministers. At the meeting he presented the position of Tajik government regarding the reform and further development of the Commonwealth.

In connection with the treaty on CIS Collective Security Treaty, the Foreign Ministers of Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Kazakastan, Kyrgistan and Tajikistan reaffirmed their membership of the treaty on February the 4th in Moscow.

"WOMEN IN ELECTIONS"

A seminar on "woman in election" which UNMOT organized was attended by more than 80 participants. Welcoming the event, Tajik news media expressed hope that the forum would contribute to creating a more free atmosphere of exchange of opinions among Tajiks. The seminar was the first in a series that UNMOT intends to hold during the next few months.

UZBEKISTAN PULLS

OUT OF CIS COLLECTIVE SECURITY TREATY

On 05 February, the Government of Uzbekistan announced that the republic intends to terminate its membership of the CIS Collective Security Treaty, which is to expire in

April. As part of its decision to withdraw from the treaty,the Uzbek Foreign Minister’s press secretary said that Uzbekistan had withdrawn a battalion of its forces last November from Tajikistan, where they had been participating in the CIS PKF since 1992. He also said that "the achievement of an agreement (in 1997) between the government of Tajikistan and the UTO has removed the need for an Uzbek battalion there" and added that the decision to withdraw the battalion had been announced before Tajikistan accused Uzbekistan of sheltering Tajik rebels.Afghanistan, Kyrgistan, Turkeministan, Russian Federation and Belorussia. In addition, 1000 of their houses were repaired with assistance of international organizations.

TAJIK GOVERNMENT AUTHORITIES SEIZE

DRUGS EN MASSE

# The Tajik Interior Ministry seized 100 kg of drugs on its border with Uzbekistan on 03 February. Drugs which included marijuana and opium were uncovered during the regular inspection; they were being carried in a truck with a Russian number plate.

# According to MOI, an officer of the rank of Major serving with the Russian Border Force was arrested for carrying 700 grams of heroin at the Dushanbe airport.

# The Tajik Poppy-99 operation was carried out in Qabodiyon and Shahrtuz Districts . Criminal charges had been instituted against those arrested for growing and keeping drugs by law-enforcement bodies who discovered over 125 kg of drugs.

BRIEF NEWS

# REFUGEES

About 500 refugees returned home to Tajikistan from Turkmenistan on 14th and 28th January 1999. According to Tajik authorities more than 200 of them were Turkmens, who had lived in Tajkistan until 1992 and had left the Republic during the years of unrest. Last year 3,421 Tajik refugees returned to Tajikist from

#ATTESTATION The Joint Central Review Commission (JCRC) completed attestation of the Government power structure’s personnel in area VARZOB on 11 February 1999, where 52 out of 60 personnel were found fit for duty and the other 8 were not found fit to retain their present position. From 16 February 1999, the JCRC will commence attestation in FAIZABAD area.

#DELIVERY OF FOOD. UNMOT Liaison Team confirmed through WFP’s Director, Mr. Gerard Viguie that Benevolent International Foundation completed delivery of two months’ food for 2004 fighters in Kofarnikon, Leninsky and Dushanbe City. Similarly, the AKDF has almost completed transporting to and storing food supplies in Mountain Societies Development Program’s warehouse at Garm in Karategin Valley; food will be soon distributed to UTO armed units.

# 74-TH ANNIVERSARY. On 05 February, Tajik Militia celebrated 74-th anniversary of its founding. The occasion was used to inform that last year the militia of Dushanbe eliminated over 20 armed criminal groups, seized large amounts of weapons and ammunition and over 150 kg of narcotics, and uncovered over 300 economic crimes.