News/Press Release
28.03.2018 |
Water plays a crucial role in the development of mankind. From time immemorial people have settled near water, which has always been a source of life and well-being. Humanity has praised and glorified it as a sacred resource for thousands of years.
Today, due to rapid population growth, economic development and other challenges that impact the natural resources, the value of water has increased dramatically. In my statement at the First Asia-Pacific Water Summit in 2007, I noted that “...the world development trends suggest that the cost of water might exceed the cost of oil, gas, coal and other natural resources essential for the sustainable future of each country and region”. Numerous studies conducted over the past 10 years proved, with facts and figures, the accuracy of that statement and encouraged the international community to focus on addressing water issues. As an essential resource for sustainable development, water has been included in numerous documents and strategies for development at the regional, national and global levels. As a result, various aspects of water issues were incorporated into the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Such an accomplishment was made possible thanks to the hard work and tireless efforts of various stakeholders. I am pleased and proud that my country, the Republic of Tajikistan, has made and continues to make a substantial contribution to this process. From 2000 to 2016, at the initiative of Tajikistan, the United Nations General Assembly adopted seven resolutions on water. Among them are International Year of Freshwater (2003);1 International Decade for Action, “Water for Life”, 2005-2015;2 International Year of Water Cooperation, 2013;3 and International Decade for Action, “Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018-2028;4 which deserve special attention. Throughout this period, Tajikistan has repeatedly provided a platform for discussing global water issues. We continue pursuing this course by actively promoting water issues identified in the 2030 Agenda. As a member of the High-level Panel on Water, Tajikistan, in cooperation with other panel members, has proposed a number of initiatives and is advancing them by demonstrating political leadership and commitment. The recently published outcome document of the Panel calls for further mobilization of efforts of all stakeholders, especially political leaders, in the adoption and implementation of measures aimed at ensuring the sustainable use and management of water resources. The Friends of Water group, established at the initiative of Tajikistan in 2010, currently comprises 51 United Nations Member States, making a significant contribution to the ongoing discussion of water-related issues, as well as to the adoption of relevant decisions within the framework of the United Nations General Assembly. Tajikistan has also been an important player in solving water problems at the regional level. About 60 per cent of water resources of the rivers in Central Asia (the Aral Sea basin) are formed in Tajikistan, and our country generously shares this vital resource with our neighbours. Tajikistan is a co-founder of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea and its two commissions, the Interstate Commission for Water Coordination (ICWC) and the Interstate Commission on Sustainable Development (ICSD), which provide platforms for discussing urgent transboundary water issues in the region. In Central Asia, where the water source mainly originates from within the territories of the two upstream countries—Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan—and the lion’s share of this water is used by the downstream countries—Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan—intergovernmental water cooperation is the key not only for addressing water problems and issues of social and economic development, but also for ensuring peace, stability and security. Water cooperation acquires even more significance today against the backdrop of the ever-increasing impact on the region of challenges such as climate change and population growth. For instance, in Central Asia in the 1960s per capita water supply was equal to 8.4 thousand m3 per year, while today it has experienced a fourfold decrease, accounting for up to 2.1 thousand m3 per year. This amount exceeds the global indicators by almost eight times. Meanwhile, the population growth rate in the region, at more than 2 per cent per year, is among the highest in the world, and freshwater resources are steadily depleting. According to experts, the Central Asian glaciers, which are the main source of water for the rivers in the region, have been diminishing on average by 0.6 to 0.8 per cent per year in terms of glacial area, and by 0.1 per cent per year in terms of ice volume. The current situation demands that urgent measures be undertaken to adapt to the dramatic effects of climate change and to promote the sustainable management of water resources in the region. This can be achieved only through the coordinated actions of all countries involved in constructive regional cooperation, with due consideration to their respective interests, the improvement of the institutional and legal framework, and a significant increase in investment in infrastructure. The introduction of integrated water resources management (IWRM) at both the regional and national levels is an essential component of this process. Tajikistan has already begun reforming its water sector, taking into account the basic principles of IWRM, including the introduction of basin water resources management. To this end, in 2015, the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan adopted the Water Sector Reform Programme for the period of 2016-2025. It is aimed at improving the legal framework and institutional mechanisms, developing infrastructure and creating a relevant base of implementation tools, including database and information systems, scientific and research works, capacity development and other water management tools. In Tajikistan, where over 95 per cent of electricity is generated by hydroelectric power stations, water and energy are closely interrelated. Development of agriculture is also primarily based on the use of water resources, since more than 80 per cent of agricultural products are produced through irrigation. It is also important to note the negative impact of climate change that causes water-related disasters such as floods and mudflows. Providing the population with access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation remains the top priority for the water sector. This issue is especially urgent in rural areas, where over 70 per cent of the country’s population lives. Accordingly, water, among other key issues, is given priority in the National Development Strategy of the Republic of Tajikistan for the Period up to 2030. To systematize all water-related goals and objectives of sustainable development, the country is currently drafting its 2030 National Water Strategy. A new draft of the Water Code of the Republic of Tajikistan that accounts for current trends and requirements has been introduced and is currently under consideration. The human right to safe drinking water and sanitation is given priority in these documents. Numerous studies and analyses of the impact of global challenges such as climate change, population growth and urbanization have been done. It is clear that these challenges will affect global demand for fresh water. By 2030 it will increase by 50 per cent, creating a 40 per cent deficit in available freshwater resources. According to various institutions and experts, over 844 million people in the world still do not have access to safe drinking water, 1.8 billion people drink water from sources contaminated by faeces, and 2.4 billion people do not have access to improved sanitation. It is projected that by 2050, 2.3 billion more people will be living in regions with increased stress on water resources. A significant impact of climate change is manifested in the form of water-related natural disasters. Between 2000 and 2016, due to floods and landslides, over 107,000 people died. According to preliminary estimates, by 2050, the value of assets that will be subject to risk because of floods, may amount to $45 trillion. One of the serious consequences of such phenomena is the destruction and disabling of various infrastructure of the national economy. There are many other problems and challenges that exacerbate the current situation and undermine our efforts to achieve the SDGs. These trends will persist in the coming decades and humanity needs to take all necessary measures to address them. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Addis Ababa Action Agenda of the Third International Conference on Financing for Development, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, and the Paris Agreement have already laid a solid foundation for further advancement of water issues at various levels. However, political will, mobilization of efforts of all stakeholders and adequate approaches and tools are required for their successful implementation. In our view, a number of issues must be taken into consideration before further steps are made in this direction. 1. Financing. The financial and economic crises of recent years continue to negatively affect the efforts of Member States to ensure adequate financing for the water sector. In this regard, support of initiatives aimed at improving financing for the water sector, including the use of existing global investment funds, such as the Green Climate Fund, is essential and timely. This is especially relevant for developing countries. It is estimated that an investment of $15 to $30 billion in improving water management in developing countries could yield an immediate economic gain of up to $60 billion. In this context, increased funding for the water sector from the state budget acquires special significance. It should also be noted that despite a steady increase in the share of official development assistance (ODA) in the water sector, the total amount allocated for ODA remains unchanged and has not exceeded 5 per cent since 2005. 2. Investment and infrastructure. Modernization of existing infrastructure and the building of a new one, as well as the integration of new technologies, will undoubtedly play a key role in ensuring reliable regulation and effective use of water resources, therefore making a significant contribution to improved water security. For example, the construction of large and medium-sized reservoirs and hydropower plants allows for a reliable regulation of run-off during climate variability, generates inexpensive and environmentally sound electricity, protects territories and population from mudflows and floods, assists in mitigating the effects of drought and significantly reduces carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. A properly designed infrastructure project can help resolve an entire range of problems. The private sector can play an important role in this process by creating public-private partnerships and other mechanisms. 3. The transition to “green growth “ and the nexus approach. As a renewable source of energy, water significantly contributes to ensuring green growth, which presupposes that the economy will gradually refuse to use non-renewable sources of energy. Today, hydropower accounts for about 20 per cent of the world’s electricity production. Meanwhile, available resources and opportunities can allow to significantly increase this number. An integrated approach is necessary for addressing the issues of population growth, such as an increase in food and electricity production, and meeting other needs. For this reason, the transition to integrated water resources management and the application of the nexus approach are essential to achieving these goals. 4. Involvement of all stakeholders. The establishment of a multilateral partnership mechanism involving all stakeholders in the discussion of water-related issues will ensure balanced decisions, with due consideration to everyone’s interests. Women can play a vital role in this process. 5. Transboundary cooperation issues. The development of water diplomacy is a key tool for resolving intergovernmental water-related issues. A total of 145 countries are located in international river basins, and the well-being of their populations depends on the availability of well-established water cooperation. Lack of such cooperation poses serious risks and costs, leaving many problems unresolved, which has a negative impact on the economic and social situations in countries that share common river basins. The outcome document of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20), “The future we want”, identified improved water resources management as the basis for achieving sustainable development. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development included an SDG dedicated to water. As a logical continuation of these ideas, the Republic of Tajikistan made a proposal to declare the period from 2018 to 2028 as the International Decade for Action, “Water for Sustainable Development”, which was unanimously supported by all United Nations Member States. The Decade will provide an important platform for political dialogue and the exchange of information and experience, becoming an important tool for promoting the achievement of internationally agreed goals and targets related to water resources, including those contained in the 2030 Agenda. We are confident that the international community will take advantage of the opportunities provided by the new International Decade for Action and address water-related issues at all levels, including the achievement of the water-related goals and objectives of sustainable development. Notes
14.03.2018 |
The official welcoming ceremony of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Leader of the Nation Emomali Rahmon, who has arrived in Kazakhstan on an official visit, took place at the Akorda presidential palace. After the ceremony, Presidents Emomali Rahmon and Nursultan Nazarbayev had a meeting in narrow format and were later joined by members of their delegations. Particularly was emphasized the worthy contribution of Nursultan Nazarbayev on reaching mutual agreement on increasing the export of agricultural products from Tajikistan to Kazakhstan. It was believed that through this way it is possible to raise the volume of trade to the level of a billion dollars. The two sides affirmed their readiness on holding of Exhibitions of Products, Business Forums, establishing direct trade/investment ties between regions and business entities.
15.03.2018 |
The Founder of Peace and National Unity – Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon attended a Working (Consultative) meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asian countries.
01.03.2018 |
The President of the Republic of Tajikistan, the Founder of Peace and National Unity – Leader of the Nation Emomali Rahmon approved the emblem of the 2018 International Navruz holiday. The emblem has a round shape; in its center is featured a globe, surrounded by the National Flag and the spring messengers – sumanak (Tajik national spring tasty food), swallows and rainbows with the inscription in Tajik and English "Navruz-2018". The emblem may be widely used as a symbol of the International 2018 Navruz holiday by ministries and agencies, organizations and institutions, executive bodies of state authority of provinces, cities and districts, and mass media.
02.02.2018 |
The Founder of Peace and National Unity – Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon held talks in the Palace of Nation with President of Kyrgyz Republic Sooronbay Jeenbekov, who is in Tajikistan on an official visit. Participants in the limited attendance talks discussed issues related to the development of friendly relations and multilateral cooperation. Following the talks, consultations were held with the participation of the delegations. Before the expanded talks, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, welcomed the President of the Kyrgyz Republic and representative delegation accompanying him to Tajikistan. The Head of State pointed out that the first official visit of President of Kyrgyzstan to Tajikistan takes place as we mark the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. We will make sure that by joint efforts this visit can raise multilateral cooperation between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan to a higher level. In a limited attendance talks the two sides expressed their satisfaction with the prominent development in the Tajikistani – Kyrgyzstani relations. In order to boost cooperation, the sides expressed their mutual desire to continue effectiveness of the existence of legal base in the field of policy, inter-parliamentary ties, trade, and economic, scientific, cultural and humanitarian cooperation would be in the interests of the peoples of both countries. The two sides looked in detail at the further expansion of integration and partnership within international and regional organisations, such as the UN, OSCE, SCO, CIS and CSTO. During the consultations attended by delegation members other issues being of mutual interest were discussed. The two sides affirmed their readiness to further expand cooperation in important economic sectors such as mining and light industries, manufacturing of construction materials, joint processing of fruits and vegetable and the creation of favorable conditions for the transit of goods. The two sides also suggested activating the activity of the Tajik - Kyrgyz intergovernmental commission on trade and economic cooperation to deepen bilateral cooperation between the two nation’s business community representatives. It was noted that overall volume of trade between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan is insufficient. For its growth, it was important to effectively use the existing large resources in economic cooperation in the interests of the peoples of the two states. While addressing issues related to cross-border problems, with the aim of ensuring security and creating good and lasting neighborhood relations, the two sides suggested activating the work of Intergovernmental commission for delimitation and demarcation of common border. The parties also discussed issues related to strengthening interstate cooperation in the field of hydropower, targeted use of water resources and joint investments in the implementation of CASA-1000 power project. The sides exchanged useful opinions to continue cooperation within the framework of existing rules of international relations, in particular the UN General Assembly’s resolution on “International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development” 2018-2028 was adopted, which was introduced by the initiative of Tajikistan. In this regard, it was stressed that the development of interstate cooperation in the field of water and energy resources should be an important factor in ensuring the economic and social development of states. The two sides affirmed their readiness to creating transport path to entering the global market, designated border crossings and construction of regional railways and highways. The sides also exchanged views on activating the work of the inter-parliamentary Friendship Group of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan and strengthening ties between scientific and creative circles, educational and cultural institutions. They also noted on creating conditions for cooperation in such areas as health, sports and tourism. The sides expressed their readiness in strengthening interstate cooperation in such areas - regional security and stability, finding solutions to the problems faced by international Community, combating international terrorism and extremism, as well as other organized transnational crimes. A number of documents were signed in the two leaders’ presence following the Tajikistani-Kyrgyzstani talks. President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and President of Kyrgyz Republic Sooronbay Jeenbekov adopted a Joint Declaration. -The Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic on the Rules of Stay of Citizens of the Republic of Tajikistan in the Kyrgyz Republic and Citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic in the Republic of Tajikistan. - The Program of Trade and Economic Cooperation between Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic. -The Agreement on cooperation between the Ministry of Healthcare and Social Protection of population of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic in the field of health. -The Agreement on Cooperation between the Agency for State Financial Control and Combating Corruption of the Republic of Tajikistan and the State Service for Combating Economic Crimes under the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic (financial police) "On cooperation in the field of combating financial and economic crimes". -The Agreement on cooperation between the Committee on Television and Radio Broadcasting under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Ministry of Culture, Information and Tourism of the Kyrgyz Republic. -The Program of Cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic for 2018-2020. -Agreement between the Higher Attestation Commission under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Higher Attestation Commission of the Kyrgyz Republic on cooperation in the field of Certification of Scientific and Pedagogical Personnel of the Highest Qualification. - The Plan of Cooperation between Sughd Province of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Batken Province of the Kyrgyz Republic on Neighborly Relations and Friendship for 2017-2020. The two presidents made press statements following signing of documents on cooperation.
18.01.2018 |
On 18 January 2018 in New York the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan H.E. Mr. Sirodjidin Aslov met with the UN Secretary-General H.E. Mr. Antonio Guterres. At the meeting, the parties discussed the key issues of cooperation between Tajikistan and the United Nations, including the issues of social and economic development of the country and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. The parties also discussed the International Conference on the implementation of the International Decade “Water for sustainable development, 2018-2028”, which will be held in Dushanbe in June 2018.
19.01.2018 |
On 18 January 2018 the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan H.E. Mr. Sirodjidin Aslov met with the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Mr. Achim Steiner. At the meeting the issues of cooperation of the Republic of Tajikistan with the UNDP, including implementation of the UNDP projects directed at the social and economic development of Tajikistan, as well as assistance of UNDP in implementation of sustainable development programs of Tajikistan were discussed.
10.01.2018 |
The Founder of Peace and National Unity – Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon met at the government residence with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov, who is in Tajikistan on a working visit.
03.01.2018 |
Alive witness of the IRPT outrages A special interview with Siyahakov S.Sh. - one of the leaders of the Security Organization for the Migrants of the Islamic Renaissance of Tajikistan (security body of the United Tajik Opposition (UTO) in the 90s years about the harmful and diversionary activities of IRPT in the years of civil war and intervention of foreign forces in it. Dear Saidjalol aka, please tell something about yourself for our reader. What did happen that you, a serviceman of the State Committee for Security (SCS) of the USSR with the beginning of a civil war went over to the UTO side? I, Siyahakov Saidjalol Shashevich, was born on May 30th, 1954, in the peasant family, in Bolshevik village of Qubodiyon district. I finished school in that village. I had worked for some years (1976-1979) in the Komsomol system and reached the post of the head of the organization department. From 1979 to 1980 I was a listener of one-year courses of the High School of the USSR SCS in Belarusian Minsk. Upon its graduation (1980), I had been appointed as a senior authorized operative of Farhor district, department of the SCS Office on Kulob region. In 1984,1 was moved to the 5thdepartment of the SCS Office in Kulob region, where I worked until 1988. Then, from 1988 to 1992 I worked as a senior authorized inspector of the Vanj district department of the SCS Office on GBAO and in December of 1992.1 had been appointed as a senior authorized inspector of Jilikul district department of the SCS Office in Khatlon region. However, due to the outbreak of the civil war in the south of the country, is under the spiritual and psychological influence of the IRPT propagandists and tribesmen (natives of the Vakhyo area) I joined the UTO and crossing the state border, fled to the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (IRA). You were a security officer, did the UTO leadership trust you? No. Despite the fact that I was joined the UTO leadership on the other side of the border and supplied them with interesting information about the security agencies, renaissances for a long time avoided me, as an "SCS serviceman" and had deeply investigated me. After the formation of the Security Organization for the Migrants of the Islamic Renaissance of Tajikistan (SOMIRT-SAMNIT), Jumabeki Salom (nickname "Kholid", approximately born in 1958-1960, resident of Pildon village of the Lakhsh district, he currently resides with his family in the Kyrgyz Republic) had been appointed as the head of the SOMIRT, as well as I and Sultoni Hamad, former worker of the SCS of the Republic of Tajikistan - as his deputies. Who was "Kholid" and why was he namely appointed as the head of SOMIRT? "KholicT (Jumabeki Salom) was one of the trusted person and right hand of Said Abdullohi Nuri and that's why he had been appointed as the head of SOMIRT or in other words "security minister". In fact, he never worked in security bodies. Is it possible to appoint a person far away from the specialty as the head? How did other renaissances accept it? Was it not dangerous for themselves? There was no democracy that "will you accept or not?" Everything was as the IRPT leadership said. Because of that "Kholid" had not a special knowledge of security and had tortured all. He carefully checked almost all migrant refugees. He could recognize anyone as "SCS agent" and pass his sentence. Among the renaissances, there were the people, who expressed their readiness to kill him. If the head of SOMIRT had no special knowledge and experience, then who and how conducted his works and performed other responsibilities? On all issues, in particular on the principles of work, office-work, personnel appointments, export and import of food products, maintaining contacts with the governments of Islamic states, terrorist organizations and movements, arms delivery to the IRPT and etc. were instructed by Iranian instructors. Iranian instructors? Yes, the Iranians. In 1992 on the territory of the Afghanistan the special services of the Islamic Republic of Iran created an opposition government from among the IRPT leadership and took it under full control. As a result, they turned the political party into a terrorist organization. I was surprised by one. The war has just begun in Tajikistan, the people had no opportunity to escape or take with them at least some household utensils. But, Iranians as "fortune tellers" even before the period of flight of Tajik refugees to Afghanistan, on the territory of this state had already created organizations under the guise of protecting the rights of the "oppressed" and built tent camps for Tajik refugees. The simple people thanked the Iranian brothers for their "noble" deed, saying that there are still people who care about us. But, not knowing about that However, as I was one of the cadres of the powerful USSR SCS at that time, immediately realized that all troubles, which happened with the Tajik people had been planned in advance by the Iranian special services. The forced resettlement of the Tajik people, choice of place of residence in Afghanistan, the study in the religious schools of Islamic states and their use against Tajikistan - were separate items of the great plan of the special services of Iran. Which proofs do you have for such charges? Proof. I have thousands of proofs. For example, under the guise of an employee of the international organization "Hiloli Ahmar" worked an Iranian named "Murodi", who was completely familiar with the methods of work of security agencies. As much as he did not hide his connection with the intelligence agencies in front of his entourage, I felt that he was a special services officer. Because his behavior and manner of talking were like to a military man. He showed a special interest in all important issues, in particular: the identity of suspicious persons; military-political and economic situation in the Republic of Tajikistan; field commanders of the people's front and UTO (IRPT). For completeness of the information, he sometimes through me specified individual moments. In order to enter into trust, he even tried to talk in the dialect of migrants. This is inherent only to the security servicemen! This is taught. Once, our head "Kholid" said me that Mr. Murodi carefully polls me and the other leaders of the IRPT to get information about military power, brave people, suicide bombers, etc., writes on a notebook, analyzes them at night and sends them to his Center. For what purposes or in the adoption of what decisions were used these information, which according to You were sent to the "Center" by Mr. Murodi? Judge for yourself. What relation has the organization "Hiloli Ahmar", involving in providing low-income families and refugees with food, medicines, etc., with suicide bombers and military-political situation?? I would like to note that it was named the conclusion and decision of the Iranian secret services that one of the insolent and brutal field commanders of the IRPT during the civil war Rizvon Sadirov was elected "Emir" for his special courage and evil deeds and was sent to the Republic of Tajikistan. If you remember, Rizvon arriving in Garm, hung the flag of the "Islamic Republic of Garm". The creation of an Islamic state and the gradual introduction of the ideology of "Shiism" into the minds of people was a sacred task of Iran, which was implemented by its special services. Mr. Murodi through Davlat Usmon (one of the IRPT leaders, former Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Tatarstan on a 30% quota), who supervised and controlled the front of the "Mujahideen of the Garm and Hoit", transferred significant amounts of money in US dollars to a group of Rasht Valley commanders. Who gave this money and how they were transferred? The Iranians did not spare money and gave a lot. Once in 1993 - 1994 years Eshoni Sayidakobir (born 1951-1952, a native of the Panj district, one of the influential persons of the IRPT and a trusted man of S.A. Nuri) was secretly sent to Tajikistan for transferring money. I think, he was detained by security agencies of the country and sent back to Afghanistan. As upon his return, he looked depressed. I, as a security officer (I mean the SOMIRT-SAMNIT), interrogated him. He told me "brother Saildjalol, let it remain between us, if to be honest, we are to blame for everything ourselves, now having become dependent on the Iranians and Pashtuns, we wander on a foreign land. I went to Tajikistan, it hurt me so much. I thought not to come and to die on my land. But what can I do, the self-guilty, there is no other way". Having said these words, he cried. In that period, in the absence of mobile communication, how were negotiated the holding of meetings in the Republic of Tajikistan? We already had such thing. As I mentioned, the Iranians provided all the IRPT leaders with modern means of communication. These means were managed by Saidahmad Nadjmiddinov (former Deputy Minister of Communications of the Republic of Tajikistan on a 30% quota), thanks to them, we (the whole SOMIRT and IRPT leadership) contacted from Afghanistan with the mujahideen of the IRPT in Tajikistan, in particular with Rizvon Sadirov, Sh. Iskandarov, Mahmadruzi Iskandarov and others. Had the UTO leadership cooperation with the Iranian special services only at the level of consultations and principles of leadership? In your opinion, what was the aim of supporting and sending the militants and other UTO personalities to Tajikistan? The UTO leadership on all issues had consulted with Mr. Murodi and asked him for money and military equipment for the creation of a military guard on the territory of Kunduz city. Thus, the military battalion "Handaq" under the command of M. Ziyoyev (Jaga) and H. Qalandarov and consisting of 250 fighters was the first created military guard. Later, its strength exceeded 500 fighters. As you already understood, it is not a consultation, but a real result. Here I would like to note that the whole front of the opposition, including the wing of the "Panj fighters" was namely subordinate to Mavlavi Mahmadali Panji, who was later appointed as a chairman of the Tajik refugees in Afghanistan. Did you yourself meet with Mr. Murodi or other representatives of the special services of Iran at that time, or all of these are your assumptions? When I was deputy head of SOMIRT -SAMNIT, "Kholid" and Sultoni Hamad repeatedly asked me to meet with Murodi and agree with his words. S. Hamad constantly repeated that "if you agree to cooperate with Mr. Murodi, you will walk over dollars...". Firstly, Murodi wanted all information related to the political, social and military situation of refugees to be presented to him first and then realized. Secondly, he wanted me to be seconded to Iran for six months courses. But, I did not agree with these proposals and I have never been in Iran. So, as I well knew that the special services would take advantage of this, they would surely attract me to an unofficial cooperation as an agent. That is, you - representatives of the SOMIRT also worked under the subordination of the foreign special services? Yes, it was so. Because, Jumabeki Salom and Sultoni Hamad have passed 2- month, 6-month and short-term courses in Iran several times. After the return, their financial and economic situation was improved and gained a lot of privileges from the Mr. Murodi. In addition, in a week almost 4 time Sultoni Hamad has developed on separate documents the schemes and secret plans, plans for involvement, political situation of the Republic of Tajikistan and other USSR states, as well as other security information, and we and him went to Murodi by car in the dark night and offered them to him. He asked me to sit in the car and not leave it. Have the UTO prominent figures and leaders been involved in the short-term and long-term courses, which you have mentioned? This procedure was mandatory. Thus, other IRPT prominent figures, such as S.A. Nuri, M.Himmatzoda, A.Turajonzoda, Davlat Usmon, Domullo Abdughaffori 'Tank", Amriddin Tabarov (Mullo Amriddin), Domullo Mahmadrasuli Saadi from Jilikul, Eshoni Davlatkhuja native of Panj, Eshoni Davlatkhuja from Qumsangir, Gadoev Mirzonazar Ubaydovich, Gadoev Mazhariddin Ubaydovich, Siyarov Nusratullo Nodirshoevich, and others were constantly to Iran and passed special courses. All this was supervised by the Mr. Murodi. He organized his wide-ranging agency from among of the IRPT leaders and the average level and led it. Can you give more details about those whose names you mentioned, because some of them are unclear to the broader audience? Of course, Domullo Abdughaffori //Tank,/ (from the "South" site of Dushanbe) was famous for his many cruelties. He spared no one and killed people in various ways. Around the spring of 1993 in the city of Tolikan, they found a tattoo of Lenin on the body of the Tajik migrant who was imprisoned during the Soviet era. Domullo Abdughaffor killed this poor man with a brutal assassination, pouring hot water into his mouth and body; - Amriddin Tabarov (Mullo Amriddin) was also one of the reliable figures of S.A. Nuri. In some issues, he had expressed his opinion freely. He was not afraid no one, was silent by nature and dangerous. He had a close relationship with Mr. Murodi and later with his instruction created a group named "Ansarullah" and sent it to Pakistan. It is necessary to know that "Ansarullah" is an integral part of the IRPT. They are the children of one parent; - Domullo Mahmadrasuli Saadi (native of Jilikul) - was a unique IRPT fighter and strategist. He had strong relations with other Afghan and Pakistani field commanders and passed paratroopers school; - Eshoni Davlatkhuja native of Panj - was born around 1961-1965. His father was the former chairman of the Panj district. After passing the 6-month courses in Iran, he became SOMIRT the member on the recommendation and order of Mr. Murodi and the IRPT. He was familiar with the methods and tactics of working with agents, operational cases, and special events. Despite the fact that he passed the 6-month courses, did not have sufficient impression in the direction of security. He was unimaginative. - Eshoni Davlatkhuja from Qumsangir - was one of the educated mullahs. He took part in the killing of many people and was very vigilant by nature. He was appointed a minister of propaganda in the UTO exiled Government in Afghanistan. - Domullo Muhammadi from Qumsangir - was one of the IRPT influential people and a religious scholar. He mastered the oratory and could easily attract the interlocutor to himself in talks. Once there was even a dispute, in the matter of appointing the general leader of UTO - S. A Nuri or Domullo Muhammadi from Qumsangir. Only because of Domullo Muhammadi was from "Hoit" and not from //Vakhyo,/ had not been elected general leader. - Head of mawlawis of the Panj district, an Uzbek, whose name and surname I can not recall. He was one of the bloodthirsty mujahids. He promised that 'Tor distribution of IRPT power, he is ready to drown in blood Tajikistan and divide it into parts"; - Sayidjalol (/ do not remember his surname) was from the village of Leninabad of Shahritus district. In 1994-1995, he left the group "Ali bespalit" and joined the Domullo Mahmadrasuli Saadi from Jilikul. After the establishment of peace, he entered the structure of the Border Guards on a 30% quota and worked in one of the military units of the Sughd region. He had acted directly under the leadership of Mr. Murodi. His son was killed in Syria wars. He is currently in Russia; - Mahmadalii Rais from the village of Leninobod of the Shahrituz district was the IRPT active member and one of the murids of S.A. Nuri. He had contact with Mr. Murodi and other Iran citizens. He had passed long-term courses in Iran. After the establishment of peace, under the pretext of "road worker," he went to Shibirgan city of Afghanistan. - Isoev Sulton (qori Sulton) - was born in 1959-60, a former resident of Qairma village of Qubodiyon district. He was one of the UTO and IRPT active members. He currently works in the UN and lives in Switzerland. He is considered one of the IRPT richest members and finances the destructive and anti-Tajikistan actions of the IRPT abroad. His children are graduated higher education institutions of Europe. - Mustafa renaissances - was born in around of 1964-65, a resident of Turkmaniston mahalla of the Vakhsh district. He was one of the "executioners" of the "Turkmenistan" bathhouse and directed the direction of special military operations in the UTO structure. Together with his group he cruelly killed the USSR hero and Great Patriotic War participant Qosim Khaidarov for refusing to join the mujahids. - Were there people in Afghanistan who wanted to warn migrants and the IRPT leadership about the probability of delusion? How did the settled Tajiks treat the SOMIRT activities? It should be noted that the IRPT made a lot of efforts to overthrow the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and introduce a system of Islamic governance in Tajikistan. To achieve this goal, they called upon the relatives of Emir Alimkhan, a manga emir of Turkic origin who lived in Afghanistan, to join them in this "jihad" and fight against the kuffar. Once, several people from the families of Emir Alimkhan, Ibrohimbek Lakay basmach and a group of Tajik refugees of the times of revolution, came to the IRPT leadership and urged them "to go to Tajikistan, achieve peace, do not leave your motherland... We have already lived in Afghanistan for 80 years, but still we have been referred to "refugees", do not let this happen to you". Henceforth, when these people appeared the IRPT representatives and servants of Mr. Murodi expelled them. They did not allow their instructions to take place among migrants. As it is known, the activity and mission of the International organization "Hiloli Ahmar" is the provision of humanitarian assistance to people in need, and the residence of this organization is in Europe. But you mentioned that the special service of Iran acted under the guise of this organization, using its name. What other acts did this special service perform in relation to Tajikistan? It is necessary to note that the international and real organization "Hiloli Ahmar" had its own residence in the city of Mazari Sharif, and had nothing to do with the Iranian organization of the same name, which is located in the city of Toliqon of Afghanistan. The main office of the "Hiloli Ahmar" of Iran was located in Toliqon city and representatives of this "organization" often visited the camps of Tajik migrants in other cities and districts (Khonoobod, Qunduz). The workers of the Iranian "Hiloli Ahmar" were afraid of meeting with representatives of the real organization of the "Hirori Ahmar". They were always escaped from them. Mr. Murodi had always been in contact with the Pakistani Taliban. Through the capabilities of his Centre, he sent a certain number of Tajik migrants for religious and sabotage training to the madrassa "Ibitobod", located on the border of Kashmir and the cities of Islamabad and Karachi of Pakistan. One of the teachers of the madrasa was "Arab-Bashir", who had constant contacts with Mr. Murodi. He was in excellent physical condition and he did not like himself in "karate" and "football". Around of 1998-1999, using the IRPT capabilities he came to Tajikistan under the guise of "business", but in fact for conducting his propaganda activities. Arab-Bashir who brought with him a huge amount of money to Tajikistan and asked to do business. Only the IRPT leadership knew his intention. He was unexpectedly killed near his rented apartment in Dushanbe. One of the trustworthy students of Bashir was Sobir - the citizen of the Republic of Tajikistan, a former IRPT active member from Sayyod village of Shahritus district. He currently works as a lawyer in Dushanbe city. The content of your conversation can be explained by the fact that the civil war in Tajikistan was imposed by foreign countries... The special services of the Islamic Republic of Iran, such as the Ministry of Information, military intelligence, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and others, under the mask of the international organizations "Hiloli Ahmar", "Imdod Khomanai" and others are considered the main designers of the civil war in Tajikistan. They contributed to the overthrow of power in Tajikistan and the creation of an Islamic republic, as well as actively conducted their destructive activities. God is their judge. What you have said is terrible. Why do you so openly speak? Don't you think about your life, about the life of your kids and your wife, your loved ones? I understood the content of your words. The IRPT and the Iranian special service do not turn away from anything, nor the murder of a woman, child, sister or brother. The act of their beautiful speaking, which they used, is this. I know that with this interview, I put my life, the life of my loved ones in danger. But there is no other way out. The people of Tajikistan should be aware of this danger and be vigilant. Do they need to understand who is who? To more never were conducted on a deceit and to not destroy their house anymore. In order to never be deceived by unauthorized persons. If the IRPT and Iranian special services call my words "slander", then I myself am a witness, an eyewitness of these Iran's "kindness". There are a hundred witnesses like me. Ask, they are ready to tell you more. Thank you for expressing the bold and brave views! Be healthy. Interviewed: Nosirjon Mamurzoda, "Khatlon" newspaper
03.01.2018 |
MAIN DEFENDER: from commandership to improvement. Interview with former commander Hakim Qalandarov There is one step in the path from love to betrayal, from improvement to destruction, as well as from good to badness. Yesterday Hakim Qalandarov was a commander, and he is engaged in the improvement of the Motherland now. It is difficult to find him in Panj District. He worked hard and was engaged in various works. We found him before the table cloth with ample food in a beautiful building. Turkey-cock, homemade chicken, trout, beef, lamb and rabbit meats were the fruits of his labors and hands. The distance from this dastarkhan with plentiful food and that yesterday's dastarkhan with only a bread is also one step. And this one step divides that river bed of the Panj River, which was plunged into the maelstrom of the war and murders and this stormy shore of the children's smile. Therefore, I ask: Is this your home? He smiles, looks at the people around the dastarkhan and says: - The whole Tajikistan is my home. Our conversation was around the landscaping works of Hakim Qalandarov and yesterday's slide fate of the Tajiks. How did it happen to you that you left the weapons of death to the side and put your hand on the improvements? - The tradition of patriotism requires it, he says and continues: - The consequences of war is peace, if even it lasts for a hundred years. I was an influential commander among the Tajik opposition forces and a close man of Nuri. What, I know, probably is not enough, who knows. If that war continued, there would be no Tajiks or no Tajikistan, we would turn into Iraq and Syria. Ustod Nuri, who always consulted with me and in difficult days I was his support, repeatedly said about it. - Then you were the witness of the conclusion of peace from the first days? - Yes. On the day when President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, opposition leader Saidabdullah Nuri and Ahmadshahi Masud held talks in Farkhor of Afghanistan, I was among their guards. - They say that many commanders were against the peace, were not you among them? - I supported Ustod Nuri's position. He was inclined to peace. But there were those to whom the peace was not in their interests. Of course, this did not happen without interference from foreign countries. But at the Teheran meeting, Nuri put an end to this issue. In those days I had an intention to make a pilgrimage (Hajj). I flew to Iran with an Iranian military aircraft from Kunduz. In the plane were I and the ambassador of Iran. At that time, Iran was the only country that had an official representation in Tahore, Kabul was in the hands of the Taliban. In Tehran, I prepared my documents for the pilgrimage. Before the trip, there were two days, Nuri invited me to his flat. - You do not go to Hajj, - he said. - Why? - I asked. - They invited me to "showdown", you should be next to me and there are some conversations that you have to disclose. When we go to Tajikistan, then you will go to Hajj. I agreed. Ustod prepared me for the meeting, and told me some secrets and mysteries of the mullahs. But warned that they are diplomats, do not talk rudely. The meeting was held in the evening at the Ustod Turajonzoda's house and was attended by mullahs Himmatzoda,Mahmadrasul, Abdurahim, chairman of "Rastokhez" Tohiri Abdujabbar, chairman of society "Lali Badakhshon", one representative of the Democratic Party, chairman of the migrants of Tajikistan in Russia, journalist Oleg Panfilov, Mullah Amriddin and others. They said that Tajikistan is over, and the opposition forces are successful at the front. They offered to call everyone to jihad and talked about unification. Ustod Nuri said that "we are not unified here, how can we unite in Tajikistan?". I raised my hand several times to speak, but they did not give me the word. I forgot about Ustod Nuri's warning, got up angrily and said that about what jihad are you talking, all Muslims, and everyone is reading namaz, you are pushing us to war, and you are feasting yourself. I appealed to the audience that "what have you done with the $ 4 million received?" "In Pakistan, in circulation", - he said. "What kind of guys?" - I asked again. Everyone was silent. This redoubled my anger. I asked them, the children and relatives of whom of you are at the front? If you want jihad, let's get a grenade and blow yourself up under the tank. Silence reigned. Oleg Panfilov angrily left the meeting. Finally, the word came to Ustod Nuri. He said that jihad has its place, we will take the people and go to Tajikistan, it’s enough to kill Tajiks, and we unite Muslims. - Foreign countries allocated funds for the war, but the confrontation of the Tajiks ended in peace. Did this not have consequences? - Had. Getting a lot of money has an answer too. Once Ustod Nuri secretly told me that Iran had called him to "showdown". I asked the reason, and he said that the reason is the money that were once allocated to us. I said that you gave money to the refugees and to us Mujahideen, the answer to them so. And so the poor man fell ill and I also could not see him and ask what happened with that "showdown". - You were a mujahed and a commander. Have not you encountered this problem? - We did not deal directly with money. Our leaders received dollars in bags openly and secretly and then partially gave to us. If there were questions, they answered. But we made peace, it was a great achievement. Once Kabiri came to me, and brought 3 thousand dollars. I said that I do not need your dirty money. I work and earn money with my own labor. But, you did not think about those who died for you. Their wives became widows and children -orphans, you could give them $ 50 and $ 100 for living. To whom of them do I give your money? You bring money now, and I do not need your money. Go, I am not with you and do not want to be with you. He told up and down. I said that there is no up and down. Do you want to be united? First, let's eliminate all the injustices and inequality, and then we will see. If you say lets fight tomorrow, for what we will fight? Do you say jihad? For what jihad? All is quiet, the mosques are well-organized, there are 5 Friday mosques in Panj, and each village has its own mosque. In the end I got up and left. I said that our guys are here in Russia. Those, who listen to me, I will not allow to join you. Because of your injustice everyone has become homeless. I personally do not support Kabiri and I will not take his words. The Panj District guys were the most influential commanders and fought more than everyone else. When he became a leader, I saw some of his injustices and separated from him. - What kind of injustice are you talking about? - Is it fair to forget the wives and children of the Mujahideen who fell in the worm, were wounded, believing their words? There was a time when they needed a piece of bread, but the leaders of the IRPT (Islamic Renaissance Party of Tajikistan) only thought about themselves.May Allah bless His Excellency, for that he cares for orphans, needy, homeless. He gave the land to the people so that they could work on it, they could find a piece of bread. Good wishes of orphans and street children bring him good luck. Kabiri and his accompanying delegates are engaged in very different matters. If Kabiri was a visionary, intelligent, enlightened, their party would not disintegrate. He could not keep within the state system. He began to wander, and he turned others into vagabonds. All this is a consequence of his misguided actions. - Do you think that he and members of his party are alone, do not have support, and there is no one to intercede for them. -No, who else? - For example, you? - Allah punished them. They will not become anyone later; any one will not support them. If Isupported them, they would never have hoped for KhojaHalim, but would invite me, particularly in battle, I was a military commander. In the fighting, Hoji Halim and Kabir ineither took part. I do not want to be with them, I do not want blood on our land. - According to media the IRPT was supported by Iran. - May be. However, IRPT support is not in the interests of Iran. This war is a confessional war, between Iran and the Arabs nations. In difficult times, when the matterstouches the Arab and Persianchoices for whom to be, even if the Arab is a follower of Shiism, it will never take the side of the Persian. During the eight-year war between Iran and Iraq, the Shiite Arabs supported Saddam Hussein. A well-to-do Arab of that time was asked why you support the unfaithful Saddam and not the Shiite Iranians; you know what he said in response? He said that: "Saddam, he is an Arab, and the Shiite is that Iranian." In a word, I, as an Arab, will support the Arab. Look, a nation is placed above faith. We share the common language and culture with the people of Iran. I'm not a diplomat. I am a commander and I am witnessing all these troubles that have fallen to the lot of the Tajik people and I do not want them to repeat themselves. The reliance on mazhab in Tajikistan can have unpredictable consequences. The people who are the followers of Sunnah and Jamaat will never take it. The Iranian leadership, probably, does not know the truth either. Perhaps there are forces that, by virtue of their interests and not disclosing their unreasonable calculations, present incorrect information to their leadership. - If so, then Iran can refuse to support the IRPT? - Of course, he can. If he wants to have good relations with Tajikistan, if we wish to have reliable support in this region, he will do so. For this, he must refuse, that is, he should not bet on religion or confession, but turn his face to language and culture; the fact of common language and culture should come to the fore. The people of Tajikistan respect Iran as a bearer of the same language, that is, Farsi-Tajik. However, with respect to the religion they adhere to, they are not respected. Iran has no other choice. I went through the school of Ahmadshah Masud and am well aware of the state of affairs in this country. If in the relations with Afghanistan Iran had chosen language and culture as its priority direction, the situation of the Tajiks in this state would not have come to this, it would be quite different. No Arab will support Iran at a difficult time. Where the place of an Islamic party, as in Afghanistan, there can appear dozens of the same Islamic parties and these parties, with the support of other non-Islamic states, will begin to destroy each other. This struggle is a struggle for the split and destruction of Muslims. OneIslamic party is harassed for another, they sow discord, and Muslims kill Muslims. Iran is a strong state and must realize that no one respects their mazhab in Tajikistan. The only reliable means in the relations between them is language and culture. - So why you do not say it to Iranian friends? - Tell one case. Once moment's ustodNuri said that Iran would provide interest-free debts, and I told him if he could tell them to lend me two hundred or three hundred thousand dollars so that I could start our business. Certainty, he invited me to house with more Iranians. Ustod said to give me some money for commercial purposes. Iranian said that to the court that if he had said it a couple of days before, they would have given everything. Ustod asked who was given the money; they answered one million dollars presented to HojiHalim. Ustod got agitated, felt uncomfortable and asked why it was HojiHalim who was the one who agreed that we would distribute fifty thousand dollars between the commanders so that they could use for the purposes of commerce and the occupation of farmers. I got angry and went to Pyanj. Nuri sent a man after me, but I did not come back. He came for me and said that the President had sent me to appoint you as commander. We come to President. He appointed me as Deputy Border Troops. He said that I was appointed yourcommander. After that, I broke all contacts with Iranians. Iran is a big state and should have thoroughly analyzed and would have drawn conclusions from the wrongful acts of Hoji Halim. He gathered four hundred or five hundred people and armed themat his courtyard house. They were informed on war, to Romit valley, they wrapped up their weapons and come to their homes. Only fourteen people remained with HojiHalim. The people whocooperated with the government and law enforcement agencies informedon Hoji Halim's whereabouts. Now it is difficult to deceive our people. - You know the border situation well, is there a threat to Tajikistan from ISIL? - The threat always exists. However, I am sure that nothing like this will happen. Because, Tajikistan has chosen the right political line. The people understood the essence of the current of the Salafi movement. Got up to fight and will not allow us to turn into the second Afghanistan. The ISIL's purpose is not only Tajikistan, but also Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and even Russia. They want to destabilize all this territory right up to the Russian border. And in Afghanistan there are many Uzbek mujahideen group. Jumaboy, Qori and Tohir had more than ten thousand armed militants in their ranks. The children who were born on that time, today have reached the ageof seventeen. The neighboring countries must be united. And we must unite for this struggle. This is our only way to ensure peace in the region.
"Faraj" Newspaper #50(576), December 13, 2017
28.12.2017 |
Tajikistan National Tourism Portal: www.traveltajikistan.tj
28.12.2017 |
The Founder of Peace and National Unity – Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon attended an informal meeting of CIS heads of state in Moscow.
22.12.2017 |
Distinguished Members of Senate and the Lower Chamber of Parliament!
01.12.2017 |
The Founder of Peace and National Unity – Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon had talks with President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko in Minsk. |