Tight security expected at ambassador's lecture

Members of the University community, less than 50 miles from the World Trade Center, were able to see the devastating details of the Sept. 11 attacks. The American response and military initiatives since then, however, have been obscured by distance and a lack of significant media presence in Afghanistan.

But University students who seem far removed from events in Afghanistan may feel a little closer in McCosh 50 today — both because of the topic of discussion and security security surrounding the event.

The Afghan representative to the United Nations, Ravan Farhadi, will discuss the Northern Alliance's role in America's efforts abroad tonight at 6:30 p.m.

Farhadi represents the Northern Alliance, which is recognized as the official government by all but two countries in the world, despite controlling only ten percent of Afghanistan. He has been in exile since the Taliban assumed control of Afghanistan in 1996.

Because of the nature of tonight's event — especially considering the national FBI terrorism alert issued yesterday — student organizers said they have contacted University public safety to ensure that adequate security precautions are taken.

Public safety officers will be present at the event, according to a public safety official and student organizers, though the extent of planned security and whether other security agencies will be involved was not disclosed yesterday.

"We will have a detail assigned to this event," said University Crime Prevention Specialist Barry Weiser. He added that public safety does not discuss security issues prior to events.

Entrance to McCosh 50 will be limited to University ID holders and their guests. No bags, food or drinks will be permitted. A simulcast in McCosh 46 will be open to the public and any overflow from the main seating area. The talk will also be broadcast live on campus television.

Farhadi's speech, according to event coordinators, is aimed at educating members of the University community about the Northern Alliance and its role in Afghanistan.

"We hope [Farhadi] will dispel some of the misinformation being talked about on campus," said Eric Wang, a Princeton Committee Against Terrorism activist. "Many people believe this is a war on the people of Afghanistan or on the Islamic world. He can dispel these myths and talk about how the Northern Alliance will help the U.S."

The PCAT student organization, formed in response to the Sept. 11 attacks, invited Farhadi to speak and coordinated the event. PCAT is a non-partisan and non-profit educational student activist group.

"We just wanted to do something. At first it was piling in a van to go give blood," said Wang. "Now we are providing a forum for education and debate."