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Tajikistan, a former Soviet republic, is one of the poorest countries
in Central Asia. On Norouz, the first day of the Persian New Year,
Emomali Rahmon the President of Tajikistan spoke to euronews on the
situation in the country 20 years after independence, relations with
Russia and Iran and democratisation in the country.
euronews:
Your
Excellency Emomali Rahmon President of Tajikistan, happy new year. Do
you see the Norouz as an occasion to celebrate the national identity of
the Tajikistan? Are the Norouz ceremonies these days the beginning of
the restoration of Tajik identity which was so damaged by the former
Soviet Union?
President Emomali Rahmon:
During the
Soviet era, there were huge restrictions on performing traditions and
national customs. These celebrations were banned and those who practised
them were persecuted. But this celebration is in the heart of our
people. Even during more than 70 years of domination, the soviet regime
could not abolish this tradition.
The same thing had happened
even before the USSR, as it was thought to be against Islam, but finally
it was accepted. Norouz is the celebration of the victory of virtue
over the vice. It encourages good deeds. It is about forgiveness. Such a
celebration is one of the rarest in the world.
euronews:
Iran has been under increasing international sanctions. Have they had an impact on relations between Tajikistan and Iran?
President Emomali Rahmon:
As
far as we know, the Islamic Republic of Iran does not intend to buy or
make nuclear weapons. Iran has progressed, the country has developed.
All the problems regarding the nuclear issue must be solved solely
through dialogue and diplomatic means.
These sanctions have, of
course, had an effect on us. I think not only Tajikistan, but many of
developed countries such as European countries and Japan have been
affected as well. The price of oil and gas have increased. This benefits
the oil-producing countries and not those consuming oil. Many of the
developed countries which used to buy Iran's oil have been affected by
these sanctions, negatively. The increase in world oil and gas prices
has, of course, damaged our economy.
euronews:
Roughly one
million Tajik migrants work in Russia. Has this caused problems for
Tajik society and has it possibly helped Russia to continue its
influence in Tajikistan?
President Emomali Rahmon:
About
a million Tajik labourers and workers live and work in Russia. Well,
that is true, but where else can they go in the region? Through their
work, they help their families and also help the economy of their
country.
The Government of Tajikistan has very good arrangements
with the Russian authorities to support the rights and interests of the
Tajik migrant workers in the Russian Federation.
I don't believe
that our relations and our strategic cooperation with Russia have
restricted Tajikistan, that is not the case. We have a foreign policy of
open doors.
euronews:
Recently, Russia held presidential
elections. As the President of Tajikistan do you believe that simply
holding elections in a country means there is democracy?
A
government that has had the same policy and the same ideology for 70-80
years, cannot change in just 10-20 years into the model of a democratic
and civilised society. It takes time to change the mentality of people.
This process has started in Russia and other former Soviet republics.
During the Russian elections - in which political groups could freely
express their opinions - did that not show some progress, moving
towards democracy?
But you know that mistakes and errors are
inevitable in the beginning. An American or European style democracy in
Russia or other former soviet republics in just a year or so, is
impossible, it is just a dream.
euronews:
What is your
opinion of human rights during these 20 years since Tajik independence.
Do you think the situation is satisfactory now?
President Emomali Rahmon:
I
remember in 1990-91, in the first year of independence, there were only
4 private newspapers, we had just one TV station, and there was just
one state-owned news agency. But now there are more than 3000 active
organisations, political parties, and NGOs.
Around 500
newspapers and magazines are published, 60% of which are
privately-owned. There are 44 television stations, just 4 of which
belong to the government.
