DATE=1/16/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=AFGHANISTAN / CHECHNYA (L-O)
NUMBER=2-258115
BYLINE=AYAZ GUL
DATELINE=ISLAMABAD
INTERNET=YES
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Afghanistan's dominant Taleban faction says it
has recognized the rebel government in Chechnya and
its independence from the Russian Federation. As Ayaz
Gul reports from neighboring Pakistan, the Taleban's
move follows recent Russian allegations the hard-line
Afghan group is providing military support to Chechen
rebels in their fight against Russian forces.
TEXT: Reports from Afghanistan say Taleban supreme
leader Mullah Mohammad Omar has decided to immediately
recognize the breakaway Russian republic of Chechnya.
The Taleban leader made the decision after meeting
members of a visiting Chechen delegation at his
headquarters in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar.
An Afghan news agency (Afghan Islamic Press) quotes a
senior Taleban official (Wakil Ahmad Mutawakil) as
saying the recognition has become - necessary because
of the brutal Russian onslaught - against mostly-
Muslim Chechnya. The Taleban says the Chechen
government can now open a diplomatic mission in
Afghanistan.
Moscow accuses the Taleban of helping Chechen rebels
in their fight against Russian forces. Taleban
leaders deny the charge.
The Taleban's decision makes Afghanistan the first
country to officially recognize the leadership in
Grozny. The hardline Islamic movement, which has
established its control over most of Afghanistan,
itself is struggling for international recognition.
Neighboring Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the United
Arab Emirates are the only nations which recognize
Taleban administration in war-torn Afghanistan. The
United States accuses the Taleban of supporting
international terrorism, a charge the Taleban denies.
(SIGNED)
NEB/AG/RAE
16-Jan-2000 14:26 PM EDT (16-Jan-2000 1926 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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