WASHINGTON, DC (February 27, 2003) -- At a conference managed by International Resources Group and hosted by the U.S. Institute of Peace, a delegation of Afghan legal officials and experts gathered in Washington, DC, to discuss the future of Afghanistan's justice system. Following four days of open dialogue, the participants adopted important conclusions and recommendations by consensus that will serve as
a roadmap for rebuilding Afghanistan's justice system.

"Rebuilding the judicial system after 23 years of conflict is not an easy task, but it is a prerequisite for economic growth and stability," said IRG President Asif Shaikh. "IRG is proud to play a role in facilitating these practical discussions with Afghan leaders, and we are particularly proud to welcome them to Washington."

Participants included representatives of Afghanistan's Supreme Court, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Interior, Office of the Public Prosecutor, Judicial Reform Commission, Human Rights Commission, Constitutional Drafting Committee, and the University of Kabul Law Faculty and Sharia Law Faculty. International experts representing nine countries provided national perspectives on approaches to criminal justice and the development of an independent and fair system of justice. The symposium was supported by the U.S. Department of State.

With a long history of activities related to democracy and governance, IRG began working on rule of law issues in Afghanistan in December 2001 and has completed several projects there since, including collecting and reprinting Afghanistan's criminal, civil, and commercial codes and delivering them to Kabul.

About IRG

IRG is an international professional services firm that helps governments, the private sector, communities, and households manage critical resources to build a cleaner, safer, and more prosperous world. Since its inception in 1978, IRG has completed over 600 contracts in more than 120 countries, delivering high-quality, cost-effective services that promote positive economic growth, institutional and social change, and intelligent use of resources -- human, physical, environmental, financial.

Contact: Cynthia Pflugh (cpflugh@irgltd.com) or Asif Shaikh (ashaikh@irgltd.com)
Tel: 202/289-0100
Web site: www.irgltd.com