DATE=7/2/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=AFGHAN-FIGHTING (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-263991
BYLINE=AYAZ GUL
DATELINE=ISLAMABAD
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO In Afghanistan, reports say there is a build up
of troops by the ruling Taleban movement and an
opposition alliance north of the capital, Kabul, after
Saturday's fighting that claimed heavy casualties on
both sides. From Islamabad, Ayaz Gul reports.
TEXT: Witnesses say there have been sporadic
exchanges of artillery fire (Sunday) between Taleban
and opposition fighters, about 50-kilometers north of
Kabul. But they say the fighting appears to have
subsided.
The hostilities, which erupted Saturday, are
considered to be the heaviest in several months. The
fighting began despite threats of further sanctions by
the United Nations, which is trying to end the civil
war in Afghanistan.
The Taleban and opposition forces led by commander
Ahmad Shah Masood accuse each other of starting the
new round of fighting, and both claim to have repulsed
offensives. There is no independent confirmation of
the claims being made by either side.
An opposition spokesman, Younas Qanooni, told V-O-A
(Sunday) the Taleban is regrouping its forces after -
as he puts - suffering heavy losses in Saturday's
fighting.
Taleban officials are quoted as saying the latest
fighting has shattered hopes for the exchange of
prisoners agreed between the warring sides in May.
They say it has also discouraged prospects of holding
fresh peace talks to end the Afghan conflict.
The Taleban controls most of the country, but its
attempts to establish control over all of Afghanistan
have been effectively blocked by forces loyal to
opposition leader Ahmad Shah Masood.
International aid donors have warned that an outbreak
of large-scale summer fighting could threaten
assistance to Afghanistan. (SIGNED)
NEB/AG/RAE
02-Jul-2000 10:16 AM EDT (02-Jul-2000 1416 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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