Military

DATE=12/19/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE= AFGHANISTAN / JUDICIAL SYSTEM (S-ONLY)

NUMBER=2-297623

BYLINE= SABINA CASTELFRANCO

DATELINE=ROME

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Afghan President Hamid Karzai has called for a strong judicial system in his country that will guarantee equal access for all citizens. He spoke at the opening of a conference on judicial reform in Afghanistan. Sabina Castelfranco reports from the conference site in Rome.

TEXT: The Afghan leader said his country's judicial system must guarantee equal access to both men and women. President Karzai said the main impetus for reforms comes from the Afghan people themselves, who, he said, are demanding an institutionalized, legal democratic system based on the rule of law.

/// KARZAI ACTUALITY ///

We assured and supported the idea that Afghanistan should have an independent judicial system with equal access for all Afghans without any bias towards any Afghan. We demanded a strong, correct, reformed judicial system.

///END ACTUALITY///

Mr. Karzai said difficulties will no doubt have to be faced following 23 years of repressive regimes in Afghanistan. But he said his government is committed to reforms.

(REST OPT NOT VOICED) Also attending the two-day conference are other Afghan leaders, United Nations officials and representatives of Western donor nations. (Signed)

NEB/SC/AWP/MAR