Dilemma for Govt over Afghan interpreters

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Dilemma for Govt over interpreters

3News NZ

British soldiers talk to locals through an interpreter (Reuters)

British soldiers talk to locals through an interpreter (Reuters)

A former Afghan minister working in New Zealand is the latest to support giving Afghan interpreters asylum here, but he says only under strict conditions.

Twenty-six translators working with our troops in Afghanistan fear for their safety once the withdrawal is complete next year.

Otago University lecturer Najib Lafraie says Canada and America offered asylum to their interpreters, but only reluctantly.

"The danger is in the past, refugees have been admitted, and asylum seekers have been admitted but later on, to bring family members even if they were far away."

But Dr Lafraie says if we leave the interpreters behind and the Taliban does harm them, it'll be bad for New Zealand's reputation.

The Government's hesitation to give asylum to the Afghan interpreters is being blamed on its desire to make the country appear stable.

Dr Lafraie says the Government's in a difficult situation.

"If the Government admits them, it also admits that the situation is not as they claim it to be, and if they do not admit and something happens, it will not be good for the reputation of New Zealand."

Dr Lafraie says both Canada and the US offered asylum to their interpreters.

RadioLIVE / 3 News

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Comments

2/12/2012 8:13:22 p.m.

Sadid wrote:

Afghan Interpreters Has to get Asylum out side of Afghanistan. if you think what happened To Iraqi Interpreters that who worked for British Troops when the Ground troops had Out from Iraq and iraqi Rebels Killed Many Interpreters and Family Members of Interpreter. Because Taliban Say in Afghanistan The Interpreters is eye for ISAF if they don,t have interpreter in patrol they don,t go out in patrol then the interpreter killed alots of Taliban in the ground and they are listening to The Radio of Taliban and Translating Words of Taliban to ISAF. but I am Say the British Has to Give asylum to Afghan Interpreters if not will be same happened like in Iraq.

1/11/2012 11:08:37 p.m.

Fides and Trust wrote:

@ Mike, I hope you understand it's a NATO mission in Afghanistan; ISAF - NOT UN!

11/10/2012 10:03:34 a.m.

Nutz wrote:

Hey what about all the other Afghan people who are going to suffer? Not just the interpreters. I'm sure there are many others living under the protective umbrella of the Coalition. Why don't we bring them ALL? @JIM - "They put their lives at risk to assist our soldiers"... No. They carried out the terms of their employment for remuneration. They are very highly paid and enjoy a far superior lifestyle to their countrymen. No-one there works for love, especially the interpreters.

9/10/2012 6:16:25 p.m.

davywavy wrote:

Does anyone actually believe the situation in Afghanistan is "good"? As in The Guardian newspaper today, the country is sliding towards collapse. Even some American commanders admit the situation is deteriorating. So if the interpreters are kept out because of a useless p.r. exercise, then the government is morally reprehensible.

9/10/2012 5:21:49 p.m.

Jim wrote:

These interpreters have put their lives at risk to assist are soldiers, when our guys leave Afghan, their lives and their families lives WILL be at risk. So no the Govt wouldn't bring them over, they will die and the NZ Govt will say 'It wasn't our fault. It was the Taleban who have been in hiding, waiting for our forces to leave. Afghanistan was calm when we pulled our soldiers out (early)'. Be realistic, it's Politics and Budget cuts, people don't matter anymore.

9/10/2012 12:04:54 p.m.

Mike wrote:

The reality is the UN shouldn't be pulling out yet.

The situation in Afghanistan is better than it was, but its still not good.

Take UN troops that were stationed in South Korea in the 1950's - still there, although less of them than there used to be.

Till Afghanistan has taken responsibility for its own country much more than they are currently, pulling out is a huge mistake which will see 10's of thousands of civilians killed.

9/10/2012 11:32:41 a.m.

Jonno wrote:

Its the least we can do. Let them in. BUT, with strict conditions. i:e no extended families/ relatives. . that is to make sure were not being taken for "a ride".

9/10/2012 10:11:29 a.m.

Greg wrote:

Doesnt this prove that the Afghan operation has been a bit of a waste, if these men cant feel safe in their own country after the west who pulled up and left.