DATE=9/6/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=AFGHANISTAN/FIGHTING (L) CQ
NUMBER=2-266183
BYLINE=AYAZ GUL
DATELINE=ISLAMABAD
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
///// FIXES GRAF 2 OF CR2-266182. /////
INTRO: In Afghanistan, the ruling Taleban movement
has captured a key opposition town after weeks of
fighting in the north of the country. The warring
sides have ignored repeated U-N appeals for an end to
the Afghan civil war. From neighboring Pakistan, Ayaz
Gul reports.
TEXT: Taleban forces swept into the key town of
Taloqan early Wednesday and are said to be
consolidating their positions in and around the town,
the capital of northern Takhar province.
The capture of Taloqan, the administrative center of
opposition forces, is seen as a major victory by the
Taleban.
It was a main supply route for anti-Taleban forces led
by Commander Ahmad Shah Masood. The town is located
close to the border with Tajikistan, which the Taleban
accuses of helping its opponents.
An opposition spokesman has confirmed the loss of
Taloqan, but says some fighting is still going on in
the east of the city. The spokesman says opposition
fighters withdrew from Taloqan to avoid civilian
casualties.
A Pakistan-based Afghan news agency (Afghan Islamic
Press) reports the withdrawing forces have blown up a
bridge, about 15-kilometers east of Taloqan, to block
the Taleban advance into an area (Tangi Farkhar) that
opens into another opposition province, Badakhshan.
The Taleban captured Taloqan two-years ago but could
retain its hold on the city for only two-months.
Meanwhile, Taleban Foreign Minister Wakeel Ahmad
Mutawakil has again demanded the United Nations
recognize Taleban rule in Afghanistan. In a letter to
the U-N Secretary General, the minister says the
Taleban now controls more than 95-percent of the
country and therefore should be given Afghanistan's
seat at the United Nations.
Former president Burhanuddin Rabani's ousted
government still represents Afghanistan at the United
Nations.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates
are the only three countries in the world who
officially recognize Taleban rule in Afghanistan. A
poor human-rights record and alleged support of
international terrorists have blocked Taleban attempts
to win wider international recognition. (SIGNED)
NEB/AG/RAE
06-Sep-2000 08:59 AM EDT (06-Sep-2000 1259 UTC)
NNNNDATE=9/6/2000
Source: Voice of America
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