Press Release

29 June 2006

Arg, Kabul – H.E. Hamid Karzai, President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, will leave for Japan next week to attend a conference on the Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) and Disbandment of Illegal Armed Groups (DIAG) programmes, and to make an official visit to Tokyo after the conference.

The DDR and DIAG conference will be hosted by Japan and jointly chaired by the United Nations and the Governments of Afghanistan and Japan.  The conference will be attended by high ranking representatives of countries and aid agencies involved in Afghanistan's reconstruction.

The President will address the conference on many issues regarding the DDR and DIAG programmes and thank the people of Japan for their assistance in implementing the programmes.

Regarding the conference, the President said, “In spite of many difficulties and concerns, the Government of Afghanistan stands firm to continue DIAG, believing that DIAG is inevitable for ensuring the rule of law in Afghanistan.”

“Backed by the Afghan people’s strong desire to get rid of all the illegal armed groups in Afghanistan and to make this country safe and prosperous, the Government of Afghanistan has committed itself to accomplishing DIAG at any cost.”

“While many obstacles lie ahead, I am fully committed to achieving the benchmark of DIAG as stipulated in the Afghanistan Compact.  The Government of Afghanistan will not allow any disruptions in the implementation of the DIAG programme.”

During his official visit to Tokyo, the President will meet with His Majesty Akihito, the Emperor of Japan; H.E. Junichiro Koizumi, the Prime Minister of Japan; H.E. Taro Aso, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan; and H.E. Takenori Kanzaki, Head of the New Komeito Party and member of the House of Representatives, to discuss bilateral relations and other issues of mutual interest.

The President will address the students, teachers and researchers at the U.N. University in Tokyo on a wide range of issues relating to Afghanistan.

Released by the Office of the Spokesman to the President
Islamic Republic of Afghanistan