DATE=2/25/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=AFGHANISTAN / UNITED NATIONS (L ONLY)
NUMBER=2-259576
BYLINE=LARRY FREUND
DATELINE=NEW YORK
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: The new United Nations special envoy to
Afghanistan, Francesc (fran-sesk) Vendrell, says the
parties fighting in Afghanistan -- the Taleban and the
northern opposition groups -- told him they want to
arrange a cease-fire. But, in remarks to reporters
today (Friday), Mr. Vendrell said that without
verification, a cease-fire would likely be temporary
at best. More from correspondent Larry Freund in New
York.
TEXT: The U-N diplomat says that after visiting
Afghanistan and countries in the region, he believes
his task as special U-N envoy is challenging ... to
put it mildly. Mr. Vendrell replaces another veteran
U-N diplomat -- Lakhdar Brahimi -- who announced in
October that he would end his active involvement in
the Afghan situation until it changed. He was
replaced by Mr. Vendrell last month.
Mr. Vendrell told a news conference that in addition
to finding at least vocal support for a cease-fire
among the warring parties in Afghanistan, there was
also agreement that the country should have a multi-
ethnic representative government. But again, Mr.
Vendrell asked, what do the parties mean by those
terms?
Mr. Vendrell, who visited Afghanistan for one day
during his recent trip to the region, said what is
needed is a comprehensive settlement, including a
cease-fire with verification.
Mr. Vendrell said senior officials of the group known
as "six-plus-two" -- Afghanistan's neighbors plus
Russia and the United States -- will meet at U-N
headquarters in New York Monday to discuss the illegal
drug trade in Afghanistan. There is no doubt, the U-N
official said, that there was a bumper crop of opium
in Afghanistan last year, and that the flow of illicit
drugs from Afghanistan has increased. Mr. Vendrell
observed that the Taleban (officials) say they would
stop drug cultivation if they received support for
alternate crops.
/// Vendrell Act ///
But of course, this support is not forthcoming
partly because the Taleban is engaged in the
drug trade as well as there are accusations, as
you know, about its support for terrorist
activities. So the issue is how do you stop
this vicious circle? How do you cut the knot?
/// End Act ///
In answer to a question, Mr. Vendrell said the United
Nations has found it easier in the last three months
to operate inside Afghanistan. (signed)
NEB/NY/LSF/JP
25-Feb-2000 15:52 PM EDT (25-Feb-2000 2052 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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