Military

DATE=11/4/2000

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-268826

TITLE=AFGHANISTAN/U-N (L-ONLY)

BYLINE=AYAZ GUL

DATELINE=ISLAMABAD

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Afghanistan's Taleban movement has called on the United Nations to recognize the existing reality in the war-torn country and give the country's U-N General Assembly seat to the ruling Islamic militia. Ayaz Gul has details in this report from Islamabad.

TEXT: The Taleban ambassador to Pakistan, Abdul Salam Zaeif, denies reports that the U-N Credentials Committee has decided that the Northern Alliance led by former President Burhanuddin Rabbani should maintain control over Afghanistan's seat at the world body. Mr. Zaeif told a news conference in Islamabad Saturday that no decision has been made. He told reporters the United Nations is expected to discuss the issue on Monday.

Mr. Zaeif warns that continued United Nations recognition of the Northern Alliance as the legitimate government of the country is likely to prolong Afghanistan's civil war. He spoke through a translator.

///Zaeif Act in Pashto, fade under translator's voice///

The United Nations should give the seat of Afghanistan to those who represent the people of Afghanistan (the Taleban administration). The position of the United Nations regarding Afghanistan should be to help and cooperate in reconstruction and rehabilitation of the country, and not to be a factor in continuation of (the civil) war.

///End Act///

The Taleban ambassador says the U-N recognition for their rule in Kabul will enable the Taleban to cooperate more effectively with the international community in meeting its concerns over narcotics and terrorism.

The Taleban took control of capital Kabul in 1996. It now controls more than 90 percent of Afghanistan and has imposed a strict interpretation of Islamic law in the areas under its control. The remainder of the country is held by an opposition alliance led by Commander Ahmad Shah Masood.

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are the only countries that recognize the Taleban.

Ambassador Zaeif Saturday confirmed to reporters that the Taleban has agreed to a U-N sponsored peace dialogue with opposition forces. He says the Taleban will not abandon the path of negotiations even if they are denied the U-N seat.

A senior U-N representative for Afghanistan, Fransesc Vendrell, announced in New York Friday that the two warring factions

have agreed in writing to attend the talks, which are aimed at ending Afghanistan's long-running civil war. (SIGNED)

NEB/AG/PFH/KBK