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DATE=8/6/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=U-N - AFGHANISTAN (L - ONLY)
NUMBER=2-252560
BYLINE=MAX RUSTON
DATELINE=UNITED NATIONS
INTERNET=YES
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO:  United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan is 
expressing concern (Friday) about reports that 
thousands of foreign combatants are taking part in 
fighting in Afghanistan.  More from our U-N 
correspondent, Max Ruston.
TEXT:  A statement issued by the Secretary-General's 
spokesman says Mr. Annan is disturbed by reports that 
foreign supporters are liberally delivering arms, 
ammunition and thousands of non-Afghan nationals to 
the warring factions in Afghanistan.  He notes that 
neighboring countries have specifically agreed  not  
to provide military support to any Afghan parties.
Mr. Annan says the conflict already represents what he 
calls a clear menace to regional peace and stability.  
Should the trans-national aspect be allowed to take 
root, he says, the potential dangers will increase 
greatly and it will be much more difficult to prevent 
the conflict from spreading beyond Afghan borders.
In the statement, Mr. Annan reiterates his calls for a 
peaceful, political settlement to the Afghan conflict.  
He says the recent upsurge in fighting demonstrates 
that the conflict will  never  be resolved through 
force.
U-N spokesman Fred Eckhard:
            /// ECKHARD ACT ///
      It demonstrates anew that the conflict will end 
      only through peaceful dialogue, which would lead 
      to national reconciliation and the formation of 
      a genuinely representative government acceptable 
      to all Afghans.
            /// End act ///
Mr. Annan's statement comes one day after the U-N 
Security Council condemned the Taleban, which controls 
about 90 percent of Afghanistan, for launching a 
military offensive against its opponents in the north 
of the country.  The Council demanded an immediate 
halt in fighting and threatened the possible use of 
sanctions.
The Taleban began its latest offensive against 
opposition forces last month.   (Signed)
NEB/UN/MPR/LSF
06-Aug-1999 17:05 PM EDT (06-Aug-1999 2105 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
.