DATE=1/21/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=PAK/U-S (L)
NUMBER=2-258301
BYLINE=AYAZ GUL
DATELINE=ISLAMABAD
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: The United States is urging Pakistan to crack
down on militant Islamic groups operating from its
territory. This is the outcome of a meeting today
(Friday) between Pakistan's military ruler, General
Pervez Musharraf, and an American delegation led by a
senior U-S official. As Ayaz Gul reports from
Islamabad, the U-S delegation also met with
representatives of Afghanistan's Taleban movement to
press for the extradition of terrorist suspect Osama
bin Laden.
TEXT: Assistant Secretary of State Karl Inderfurth
says the subject of terrorism dominated talks with the
Pakistani officials. The senior U-S official says he
told Pakistan's leaders the United States is extremely
worried by the threat of terrorism from Islamic
extremist groups in the region.
Mr. Inderfurth says the existence of such groups in
Pakistan works against the country's national
interest.
/// Inderfurth Act ///
We hope that the government of Pakistan will
take steps against such extremist groups. We
believe that the presence and activities of
these groups give Pakistan a bad international
reputation in the world community.
/// End Act ///
The U-S official says he pressed Pakistan to use its
influence with Afghanistan's Taleban movement to get
Saudi militant Osama bin Laden expelled to face U-S
terrorism charges. Pakistan is one of three countries
that formally recognize the Taleban rule in
Afghanistan.
/// Inderfurth Act ///
The continuing presence of Mr. bin Laden and his
network in Afghanistan, we believe, is a threat
to the international community. We urge the
government of Pakistan to use its influence with
the Taleban that bin Laden be expelled and
brought to justice. We hope that that day will
happen very soon.
/// End Act ///
Mr. Bin Laden is wanted by the United States on
suspicion he was involved in the bombings of two U-S
embassies in Africa that killed more than 200 people.
Mr. Inderfurth says he had a private meeting in
Islamabad with the representatives of the Taleban
Islamic movement to press for Mr. bin Laden's
extradition from Afghanistan. The Taleban refuses to
hand over the Saudi dissident, saying he is a guest in
the country. (SIGNED)
NEB/AG/JP
21-Jan-2000 14:38 PM EDT (21-Jan-2000 1938 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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