FORUM (Spotlight Weekly)

‘Terrorism Is Bad And Must Be Stopped’

— BENJAMIN BASSIN

The ambassador of Finland to Nepal, BENJAMIN BASSIN, is also the Finnish envoy to four other South Asian countries, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Bhutan. During his recent visit to Kathmandu, the New Delhi-based envoy spoke to BHAGIRATH YOGI on bilateral relations, terrorism and other issues days before the US-led forces started air strikes on Afghanistan. Excerpts:

How do you see the problem of terrorism in South Asia?

Practically, all the countries of South Asia have problems of terrorism. If the international community takes a concerted effort to wipe out terrorism, that will be a very good beginning. If, as a consequence of events in Afghanistan, Pakistan reduces or ends its support to the Mujahideen in Kashmir, nothing will prevent better relations between India and Pakistan. But there is no guarantee that this will happen.

How does the European Union (EU) view the US initiative against terrorism?

The EU has accepted that the US is the only super power at this time. They are the injured party. They have full justification in initiating action (in Afghanistan) together with the international community. We don't have any objection to the US-led initiative. It will be a wise move to have blessings from the United Nations on the upcoming operation. Many in Europe feel this way. There are very good bilateral contacts between the US and EU countries. We think that the UN's blessings will give legitimacy to this initiative.

How justified would it be for thje US to start bombing Afghanistan before producing enough evidence to the international community?

I don't know what evidence the US holds against Osama bin Laden. They may have evidence. During the operations, casualties to civilian population will have to be kept at a minimum. It can't be entirely avoided because terrorists there will be hiding along with the general population. Some damage may be caused to the common people also.

But it was the CIA that equipped bin Laden, wasn't it?

They did not equip him to attack the World Trade Center. When they trained Mr. Laden, they did not train him for that purpose.

How justified is it for the US to go and bomb a sovereign country?

The US are the injured party. It was on their soil that the attacks happened. They are in a very special position. The situation varies from country to country. Some country may have chosen another way to respond to such attacks. But we must agree that terrorism is bad and must be stopped.

How do you see the problem of narco-terrorism in the days ahead?

Afghanistan is one of the major production and refining centers of opium. It is then smuggled to Myanmar and other parts of the world. Money from such operations is probably used to finance terrorism. In their own interest, countries around the world have to stop manufacturing and exporting drugs.

How do you see the Maoist insurgency in Nepal? Should the government declare them as terrorists?

I am not well informed on this issue. Branding them terrorists may be helpful but we don't know for sure. It may be helpful in drawing the attention of the outside world including the South Asian countries. Maoist groups have contacts all over the world. So, I am not giving any advice to the Nepalese government in this regard. Peaceful solutions are always the best.

What should be done to promote economic relations between Nepal and Finland?

We have to activate the business communities in both countries to remain alert to the possibilities that are there. Delegations of business communities need to visit each other's countries. By involving the business people, we can explore more opportunities in trade and investment. So, there should be greater cooperation between the business communities.

There has been a tendency among a section of the Nepalese intelligentsia to blame the country's democratic polity for all the ills in the country. Would you like to comment?

Democracy is always difficult even in a rich country. It must be difficult for a poor country like Nepal. The alternative to democracy is always totalitarian or authoritarian rule. We don't have a choice. You should not lose patience.