A-We have to be extremely careful not to create a situation that would lead to decentralization, but must continue following the democratic path that we are situated in right now. The president should consult the parliament in carrying out his duties. Also, he is not entitled to dissolve the parliament, thus his powers are limited and conditional.

Q- Law and order in the country depends upon the economic situation. In other words, can the constitution support the people's economy?

A-We don't want to say that this (new constitution) is a masterpiece, but it is a new path towards a very hopeful future. If it is adopted and all its laws are abided by, a path to satisfy the people's economic needs (food on the table) would be opened.

Q- You used to teach economics and opposed the communist economy (Marxism and Leninism) and were for an open market economy. Now you say we should not escape from the central power and that the president must be granted a lot of power, these two theories contradict one another.

A-We should not confuse this with the economic system. Power concentrated in the center can better influence the market.

Q- Can you say what exactly has improved in the past two years? For instance, when people look to build a house, they have to acquire a land permit, they are told to city council, to the municipality. Why are there so many various ministries and offices?

A-We are faced with this problem which is not created by the transitional authority but is a terrible heritage of the past. Currently, the government is working very hard to reform the system and reduce the number of ministries, and eliminate the hands that brought corruption to the Afghan economy.

Q- What strategies do you have to improve the economic system, such as creating a middle class?

A-In Afghanistan today, we have a very small minority that has a colossal amount of money that they have either invested in buying lands, building high rises, or in foreign banks, and thus not used it in Afghanistan's economy. Then we a vast majority who just make ends meet and cannot save. The government has some projects to get that wealthy minority interested in the economy of the country. If we are successful, then we can improve the economy. The other goal is to find a system to develop a middle class in the country, but this a long or medium term procedure that will take up to six or seven years at the very least.

Q- What article of the new constitution guarantees this decision of yours?

A-The constitution cannot be applied to the details in every aspect, but in many articles it refers to the utilization of natural resources. It is up to the government and private sector to organize these factors.

Q- In many articles of the constitution you refer to mines and natural resources as the government's property, the government is responsible for human rights and national integrity, Afghanistan bank is controlled by the government. So all in all, the government is in control of everything.

A-For instance, the central bank is a governmental organization that has certain duties similar to many in the world. In every country mines and natural resources are the nation's property, but how to utilize is a duty of Ministry of Industry and Mines. So this is how the government can create conditions enabling the private sector to benefit from and improve the people's economy conditions. We work for an open market economy system, not the economy of the central government. Private sectors will not build highways.

Q- How can the bank be independent?

A-The Afghanistan Bank will conduct the monetary system of the country independently, though it's a governmental organization. We have seen in many countries that private banks have had disastrous results. In Afghanistan in the past two years, not a single company has expressed any interest to invest their own funds, but have suggested construction of highways, if funds are provided by foreign donors.

Q- If all the power is in the hands of the government and the president, nothing is going to change or improve. Shouldn't there be an article about privatization in the constitution?

A-The constitution does not have the duty to organize the private sectors, but we do have the intent and the plans. Currently, we have an independent section working on privatization of some government management such as Ariana Airline.

Q-How could you do that now when the constitution is still at drafting stages?

A- The pursuit of independent economy is included in the constitution of Afghanistan, and privatization is a part of that. So, we do have a legal permit.

Q-In the draft constitution the position of prime minister has been eliminated. What is your opinion?

A-To have a president and a prime minister appointed by the parliament is dangerous in countries such Afghanistan because it soon will transform into rivalry which will then turn the two into opponents, and, thus, halt progress. Afghanistan is at a crucial stage right now and I think if we one power that can make decisions with the consent and consultation of the parliament, that is not a dictatorship, then it would be useful. This (draft of constitution) is the outcome of careful thought, and if people are not happy, we are prepared to discuss it with them.