#3
TITLE: INTERVIEW WITH STATE DUMA COMMITTEE FOR DEFENSE VICE-CHAIRMAN ALEXEI ARBATOV
[NOCHNOYE VREMYA ORT PROGRAM, 23:30, NOVEMBER 26, 2001]
SOURCE: FEDERAL NEWS SERVICE (http://www.fednews.ru/)

Anchor: With me in the studio is an expert, Deputy Chairman of the Duma Defense Committee Alexei Arbatov. Good evening, Alexei Georgiyevich. Two important events occurred almost simultaneously. A Russian humanitarian mission arrived in Kabul and almost simultaneously, American troops landed near Kandahar. Is it a coincidence?

Arbatov: It is a coincidence between the actions in Kandahar are prompted by the military situation and the delivery of humanitarian cargoes is only the beginning of a prolonged operation which will continue and Russia will certain help Afghanistan and will maintain a constant presence there.

Q: Reports came from Afghanistan today about casualties. Five Americans and several British servicemen have been injured near Mazar-i-Sharif. Unofficial reports say one CIA man died.

Kabul is an unsafe place even for local citizens. Why is Russia in such a hurry to stake out a claim in Kabul?

A: Russia is a state that took a very active part in the anti-terrorist operation. I should say that without Russia the operation would have been doomed to failure and with Russia's help it is so far moving forward successfully. The situation in Afghanistan directly affects the Russian security interests because in former times narcotics and weapons and mercenaries were flowing from Afghanistan to Central Asia and the Caucasus region. So, it is extremely important for Russia to contribute to stabilizing the situation in Afghanistan because it will greatly diminish the threats to Russian security.

Besides, one should not forget that Russia has allies in Central Asia, it has its interests and forces there. So, what is taking place in adjacent areas is very closely connected with our military security.

Q: The Western press has again reported that the counterterrorist operation will not be confined to Afghanistan and may spill over into the territory of Yemen, Somalia and Sudan. The Sunday Times wrote yesterday that it may begin in a couple of months time. Do you believe this is a possible scenario, and if so, will Russia be notified of the start of such an operation?

A: This is certainly a possible development because international terrorism is not based only in Afghanistan. It is essentially a global network and so these activities should continue after Afghanistan. Otherwise, the terrorists will eventually went back what they will have lost in Afghanistan. Russia should do its best to contribute to this effort and in any case the anti-terrorist coalition of which Russia is one of the main members should act together. It is important to prevent a repeat of unilateral actions on the part of the United States or their allies.

The operation in Afghanistan has shown, I think that success can only be achieved through joint efforts. I hope that the US administration has drawn serious conclusions from this and has realized that Afghanistan has provided a model which can be instrumental in the future in putting an end to international terrorism through joint effort.

Anchor: Thank you, Alexei Georgiyevich.