According to a Columbia University professor specializing in Afghanistan, there is no evidence of systematic persecution of royalist sympathizers in Afghanistan (13 Jan. 1993). However, he added that the situation at this moment is unstable and unpredictable and that there are no reliable institutions in Afghanistan for the defense of human rights (Ibid.). Even the ruling government does not entirely control the city of Kabul (Ibid.).

Among the members of the Council of Ministers there are a few royalists. For example, the Minister of Foreign Affairs belongs to a large family that is tied to the royal family by marriage (Ibid.). The professor stated that this family tie does not indicate in itself that the Minister of Foreign Affairs is a supporter of the former king (Ibid.). He added that the king himself considers that the era of the monarchist regime in Afghanistan is over (Ibid.). On the other hand, certain government officials are partisans of the monarchy (Ibid.).

The source stated that since April 1992, in the eastern part of the country, there have been reports of ill-treatment of royalist sympathizers.

In addition, please find attached two media reports which provide some information on the relations between the Islamic fundamentalists and the royalists in Afghanistan.

Additional and/or corroborative information on the above-mentioned subject could not be found among the sources currently available to the DIRB.

Columbia University, New York. 13 January 1993. Telephone Interview with a Professor at the Political Science Department.

United Press International (UPI). 15 June 1992. Anwar Iqbal. Untitled; Article on fundamentalists and royalists in Afghanistan. (NEXIS)

The Washington Post. 19 April 1992. Steve Coll. "Afghan Crisis Turns Inward; Ancient Roles, Modern Issues Steer Conflict." (NEXIS)