Embassy of in Japan

Afghan News April 2010 April Latest News Highlighted Achievements H.E. President Karzai offers support for Kandahari students • The government has taken in over 1 bil- lion dollars in reve- tions Security Council on April 16th at a nue in the last year. high-level open debate on “Post-Conflict Peacebuilding.” • The average Afghan income has in- The debate was convened by Japan, creased 6-fold in which holds the Presidency of the Coun- the past 4 years. cil for the month of April, and was chaired by Japanese Foreign Minister • Over 13,000 km of H.E. Mr. Katsuya Okada. Also speaking rural roads have were H.E. Secretary-General Ban ki- been restored, im- H.E. President , during a Moon and ministers from Timor Leste, proved, or built since 2001. meeting with students and teachers from Sierra Leone, and Bosnia and Herzego- Kandahar, called for more assistance for vina. the local education sector. H.E. Minister Rassoul’s statement fo- The students asked for H.E. the President’s cused on peacebuilding in Afghanistan. help in regards to scholarships and ex- He highlighted the magnitude of destruc- pressed concern over a lack of text books tion as a result of decades of conflict. Inside this issue: and dormitories. Given these challenges, he said, “we Latest News 1-4 have achieved remarkable success,” in H.E. the President, who was accompanied security sector reform and disarmament; by the provincial education director, called in the political structure; in infrastructure Upcoming 4 on H.E. the Minister of Education and building; in governance and services, Events & other relevant authorities to provide fur- Important Dates ther support and facilities.

Omar’s 5 Kandahar is presently home to around one Kitchen hundred and thirty thousand students.

H.E. Foreign Minister Rassoul speaks at Language 6 Security Council debate Lesson convened by Japan

H.E. Foreign Minister Dr. Zalmai Rassoul delivered a statement to the United Na- (Continued on page 2)

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Afghan News, April 2010 particularly health and education; fective international partnership. Fur- form and Civil Service Commis- and in the economy. thermore, H.E. the Foreign Minister sion (IARCSC), and Dr. Farhad mentioned that preparations are con- Osmani, Director General of the H.E. Minister Rassoul cited continu- tinuing for the upcoming Con- Afghan Civil Service Institute, vis- ing challenges particularly the secu- ference, which will be followed by the ited the United Nations Institute for rity situation and the need for re- parliamentary elections in September. Training and Research (UNITAR) gional cooperation. H.E. also Other key areas being addressed Hiroshima office as honored guests pointed out challenges in govern- within Afghanistan, he mentioned, are in order to sign a Memorandum of ance and in coordination, and the strengthening of governance at the Understanding (MOU) between the pointed to solutions found in the national and sub-national levels and two institutes. further improvement of the role of new London strategy, proposed by civilian engagement. President Karzai, which are aimed at The full text of H.E. the Minister’s UNITAR currently conducts a building peace and stability and pre- speech can be read at http:// seven-month training program for venting a recurrence of conflict. In www.mfa.gov.af/detail.asp? 25 public officials every year with particular, he focused on the impor- Lang=e&Cat=1&ContID=1130 the support of the governments of tance of Afghanization, of national Hiroshima Prefecture and Hi- leadership, and of a strong partner- roshima City. The agreement, as ship between the international com- New Election Chief named outlined in the MOU, will double munity and Afghanistan. the size of UNITAR's program. Mr. Fazel Ahmad Manawi was Participants each period travel to During this two-day visit to New named the new head of the Inde- Hiroshima to learn about the post- York, the H.E. Minister Rassoul also pendent Election Commission (IEC) conflict reconstruction efforts after met separately Friday afternoon by H.E. President Hamid Karzai in 1945. with H.E. Mr. Ban ki-Moon and had preparation for parliamentary elec- lunch with H.E. Minister Okada fol- tions in September. The delegation visited the Peace lowed by an Afghan-Japanese bilat- Memorial Museum and the A- eral meeting. Mr. Manawi served as a member of bomb Dome at the Hiroshima the commission during last year's Peace Memorial Park. Dr. Musha- H.E. Minister Rassoul’s speech can Presidential election. He replaces hed presented a floral offering on be watched at: Mr. Azizullah Lodin in his new role. behalf of the government and peo- http://www.afghanistan- ple of the Islamic Republic of Af- un.org/2010/04/afghan-minister-of- Five new members of the Electoral ghanistan at the Cenotaph for the foreign-affairs-visits-new-york/ Complaints Commission, an election Atomic Bomb Victims. Following watchdog, were also appointed. the official signing ceremony, Dr. Mushahed met with the Honour- H.E. Foreign Minister Dr. Zalmai The United Nations has already able Governor Hidehiko Yuzaki at Rassoul addresses the NATO For- pledged their support for the upcom- the Hiroshima Prefectural Govern- eign Ministers meeting ing elections. ment headquarters and then visited Miyajima Island. On April 23rd, H.E. Foreign Minister

Rassoul addressed the NATO-ISAF Foreign Ministers Meeting in Tallinn Delegation Visits Hiroshima, signs MOU with UNITAR New Projects launched to help for the first time in his new role. H.E. rural citizens expressed his gratitude, along with Dr. Ahmad Mushahed, Chairman of that of the people and the government, The Ministry of Public Health to NATO and ISAF, saying, “It was the Independent Administrative Re- (MoPH) is launching the ambitious your support, and other international partners, which made our progress Strengthening Health Activities for possible.” As H.E. Dr. Rassoul’s the Rural Poor (SHARP) project. speech centered on security within The World Bank has generously Afghanistan, he touched on such im- pledged support of US$22 million portant themes as the Afghanization from its Afghanistan Reconstruc- of security, reconciliation and reinte- tion Trust Fund. This will coincide gration and the National Consultative with the Ministry of Rural Reha- Peace Jirga’s role within, enhanced bilitation and Development’s Rural regional cooperation, and a more ef- (Continued on page 3)

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Afghan News, April 2010

Craft Development Program aimed at four-year history. Azizi bank has increasing employment opportunities about 250,000 customers. The bank National telecommunications op- and income for rural residents. manages $370 million and is a cru- erators across the nation (Afghan cial source of funding which lubri- Telecom, Afghan Wireless Com- Dr. Suraya Dalil, Policy and Planning cates private enterprise. Forecasts munications Company, Etisalat, Deputy Minister and Acting Minister predict that the bank will make a MTN and Roshan) announced the of Public Health, said that her minis- profit of $3.5 million to $4 million launch of the Afghanistan Tele- try’s project would serve to this year. communication Operators’ Social strengthen health activities in the vil- Association (ATOSA), a forum lages of 12 provinces, in particular, in Azizi Bank recently opened a man- through which operators can col- support of “the women and children sion-like, multi-storey white marble lectively work together to provide living in difficult to pass and far lo- headquarters in Kabul. people with high-quality and reli- cated areas of Helmand, Badghees, able telecommunications services. Farah, Nimroz, Samangan, Balkh, Among Azizi Bank's most popular The Association will collaborate Wardak, Sar-i-Pul, Kapisa, Panjshir, products is the "Qismat" account, closely with the government to Kabul and Parwan provinces.” which complies with Islamic bank- ensure the continued growth and ing laws by not paying interest and success of the national telecommu- instead rewards customers with nications sector. MoPH, UNICEF Sign $39Million generous lottery prizes such as cars, Annual Work Plan property, or cash. Speaking at a ceremony to mark the initiative, H.E. Eng. Amirzia The Shared Annual Work Plan, a plan Azizi Bank plans to introduce Sangin, Minister of Communica- developed by the technical teams of credit cards within the next two to tions and Information Technology, the Ministry of Public Health and three months, becoming the first said “The launch of ATOSA is an UNICEF which is aimed at improv- national bank to do so; to start sell- important development for the tele- ing maternal care and child health, ing mortgages; and to open 15 new communications sector. The mo- has received renewed support. branches across the country. bile market in Afghanistan is one of the fastest growing in the world. Dr. Suraya Dalil, Policy and Planning Seventeen banks now operate Such growth is predicated on a Deputy Minister and Acting Minister across the country. public-private partnership and of Public Health, signed the plan with framework between the Govern- the UNICEF Representative in Af- Among the others, Standard Char- ment of Afghanistan and its private ghanistan, Ms. Catherine Mbengue, tered Bank is already making a sector partners that should set an calling for a total budget of US$39 profit. It serves about 16,000 cus- example for encouraging invest- million. tomers, including Afghan nationals ment, private sector participation and foreign companies and organi- and ultimately delivery for our citi- Dr. Dalil vowed that together, the two zations. zens in other sectors of the econ- organizations would dedicate them- omy.” selves over the next year to providing mothers, children and newborns with Telecommunication Operators Today, over 12 million people have required health services including Launch Afghanistan Telecommu- access to mobile services com- vaccinations, and nutritional support. nication Operators' Association pared to 20,000 in 2001; basic tele-

This plan will be implemented in all provinces.

Banks experiencing growth

After the financial crisis of 2008, Af- ghan banks have experienced positive progress.

Azizi bank, the second-largest private bank nationwide, looks to turn a profit in 2010 for the first time in its

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Afghan News, April 2010

(Continued from page 3) on the bandwagon," said US-based Great strides have been made to phone service reaches more than director of development Scott expand immunization for vaccine- 80% of the population, approxi- McCook. The project organizing preventable diseases, including mately 23 million people. The tele- the team has registered for non- , but challenges still remain. communications industry has profit status. "Every year in Afghanistan, an spurred growth in a number of in- estimated 180,000 infants miss dustries, including the financial, The team has already received ap- their routine vaccination," said Pe- trade, agriculture, health, security proval from the National Olympic ter Graaff, the World Health Or- and technology sectors. Committee to, if able to qualify, ganization's representative to Af- represent the nation in the 2016 ghanistan. Since 2001, the industry has created Olympics. over 100,000 indirect jobs and in- National disease control achieve- vested over US $1.3 billion in build- ments include stopping the circula- ing the first national telephone net- tion of polio in many districts, in- work . The industry is the largest tax Park proves popular with women creasing pentavalent vaccine cov- paying sector with an estimated US erage from 69% in 2006 to 83% in Another avenue for Afghan women $500 million paid in taxes, duties 2009, and expanding cov- to express their love of peace and and fees since 2003, representing erage from 64% in 2006 to 76% in knowledge has opened in Kabul. over 10% of all domestically gener- 2009. This place, which has taken the ated government revenues in the form of a women and children’s same period. More than 2700 vaccinators are park, is located on the edge of Ka- providing immunization services bul, complete with swings, ATOSA will also provide a forum through fixed, outreach and mobile benches, flowers and a gazebo. through which operators can con- activities nationwide. structively raise and address issues The park has already become a fa- of common concern, including secu- This year’s World Malaria Day vorite destination for those wanting rity and predictability in the policy theme is "Counting Malaria Out." a quiet place to meet with friends. environment. Malaria remains a major cause of

morbidity and mortality and is a The park is more than just a place significant public health issue to relax; it is a place of opportunity. Water polo team looks towards worldwide, Afghanistan being no This space is home to a training 2016 exception with approximately center for mothers and daughters. 400,000 cases reported last year. In classrooms overlooking the park, Over the next 5 years, on the cur- The national water polo team is pre- embroidery and organic farming rent pace, the northern provinces paring for the 2016 Olympics. are taught; students pickle toma- could well be malaria-free. toes, bottle jam, and sew with state- Marine Warrant Officer, Jeremy Pi- of-the art machines. asecki, who serves as coach, thought building an Afghan national team The park has been established with Upcoming Events & would be inspirational as water polo the assistance of India's Self- Important Dates requires grace, speed, strength, en- Employed Women's Association durance and teamwork. (SEWA). Exhibition of Textiles & Jewelry from Silk Road & Afghan Despite being a landlocked country Vaccination Week, World Ma- laria Day launched with few swimming pools, more April 28 - May 19 than 70 would-be players showed up Gallery Tengu Square, Hiroshima Minister of Public Health Dr. for tryouts at a swimming pool east 082-248-1128 Suraya Dalil, alongside other gov- of Kabul. (closed May 12) ernment and United Nations offi-

cials, launched both Vaccination The coach aims to raise money to May 20 - June 16 Week, which commences April take the team to the U.S. for training Gallery Nishimura, Hiroshima 24th, and World Malaria Day, and people-to-people diplomacy. 090-3748-0459 which falls on April 25th, at a cere- "Everybody is interested [in sup- (closed May 26 & June 9) mony in Kabul. porting the them], but wants to see the team here first before they jump

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Afghan News, April 2010

Omar’s Kitchen

Each month, Omar will offer a recipe for authentic Afghan food.

Keema (Ground meat sauce)

Ingredients: • Jalapeno peppers • 30 ml. Vegetable oil • 470 ml. finely chopped onions • 450 g. Ground lamb • 235 ml. Water • 6 Tbsp. Tomato paste or 4 large tomatoes • 4 Cloves garlic minced • Salt and pepper to taste • 1/2 bunch Fresh cilantro

To cook: In a frying pan, sauté the onions in vegetable oil until soft. Add the ground lamb and brown lightly. Add the water, tomato paste (or just tomatoes), salt, pepper, and jala- peno peppers. Bring sauce to a boil; simmer until half the sauce evaporates. Add the garlic and cilantro and cook for another 5 minutes. Spoon the mixture over rice.

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Afghan News, April 2010

Language Lesson There are many languages spoken in Afghanistan, but two are designated as official languages: and .

English Pashto Dari Please take me to ~ Lotfan ~ to mi yusa. Lotfan mara ba ~ bibar. How much is it to ~ ? Tar ~ pari so akli? To ~ chand mibary Can you give me a discount? Qimati ligh cam kla? Qimat ra kami arzan kan?

How about 10 Afgani? Las Afghani singa da(10)? Chotor ast da(10) Afghani? How long does it take? So milato nisi? Chand diqiqra dar bar khaw had gritt? It takes about ~ Dree minatanisi ~ See daqiqa ra maigirad ~ Thank you, keep the change. Pati paisy wakhla. Tashakur, pooli maida ra balchod bigir. Hotel Hotel Hotel Street Kosa Kocha Airport Hawayi Maidan Maidani tayara Restaurant Restaurant Restaurant Bank Bank Bank How to take a taxi in Afghanistan 1. Raise your hand and stop a taxi. 2. Tell the driver where to go and ask the price. 3. If appropriate, negotiate. 4. Pay the driver when you exit the taxi. 5. Tip if you like - this may be done if there was some inconvenience.

Embassy of Afghanistan in Tokyo Contact Us 2-2-1 Azabudai, If you have any comments, questions or Minato ward, Tokyo suggestions regarding this newsletter or 106-0041 the Embassy, please send an e-mail to the embassy’s Public Affairs Officer, Domestic Jason Pratt: Tel: 03-5574-7611 Fax: 03-5574-0195 [email protected]

Overseas Tel: +81-3-5574-7611 Fax: +81-3-5574-0195

Website www.afghanembassyjp.org

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